With millions of Americans seeking mental health care, we often forget therapists are humans, too. They are used to hearing about trauma, death, and life struggles but are not immune to facing those same challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase of fear and death was paramount, leaving many to seek help. But many mental health professionals cannot meet the demands of their jobs. With workforce shortages and an overwhelming increase in clients, therapists are burnt out. A new survey by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, conducted by The Harris Poll, found some alarming disparities.
In a survey of 750 behavioral health workers, more than 60% experienced moderate or significant rates of burnout. For Black mental health professionals, the struggle is even more real. Only 4% of therapists in the U.S. are Black. They are used to filling the gaps and holes in a broken healthcare system not built for Black folks. Three therapists across the country said they feel the added pressure to show up for their clients because they know there are not enough Black therapists.
But what happens when Black therapists are burnt out?
Read more at SeattleMedium.com.
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