Evidence-based Strategies for Addressing Burnout and Enhancing Well-being for Mental Health Providers-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The SMI Advisor webinar, led by Dr. Amy Cohen and Dr. Michelle Salyers, focused on evidence-based strategies to combat burnout and enhance well-being among mental health providers. Participants were eligible for continuing education credits. The presentation addressed burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of ineffectiveness, identifying it as a systemic workplace issue rather than an individual failing. Dr. Salyers spotlighted the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and self-determination theory as frameworks to understand and mitigate burnout through balancing demands, enhancing resources, and fostering workplace autonomy, belonging, and competence.<br /><br />Strategies included organizational changes such as the ARC and CREW interventions and promoting resilient workplaces—via leadership engagement and flexible policies. Self-determination theory emphasized the importance of autonomy, connectedness, and competence for intrinsic motivation and engagement. Practical tips for supervisors and organizations involved fostering supportive environments and ensuring active bi-directional communication between management and staff to address workplace stressors effectively.<br /><br />The discussion also touched on integrating burnout awareness and self-care education in training programs and advocated for modifications in organizational culture to prioritize workforce well-being—highlighting a need for inclusive dialogue and allyship across hierarchical levels. Engagement in these efforts through methods like wellness committees and appreciative inquiry was suggested to facilitate cultural shifts, ensuring sustainable well-being for mental health professionals.

Keywords

burnout

mental health providers

well-being

Job Demands-Resources model

self-determination theory

organizational change

workplace autonomy

resilient workplaces

self-care education

workforce well-being