New Report Reflects Intense Workforce and Service Challenges Faced by Providers

As service providers offering mental health treatment, crisis services, social support services, and youth services are working through the effects of COVID-19 on their work, demand for their services continues to grow. A new poll, which was released earlier this month by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, found that 97% of member organizations say it has been difficult to recruit employees, and 78% say that it has been very difficult. Organizations say a lack of applicants, specifically qualified applicants, along with not being able to offer competitive salaries and burnout from COVID-19 are the main obstacles they are facing. Member organizations listed the following potential short-term policy solutions as favorable: additional funding to hire qualified staff, continuing to offer telehealth services, updating reimbursement rates, and reducing the amount of paperwork/regulation, which is a burden to staff.