Embracing Change in the Service Delivery System: The Antidote to the “Toxic” Behavioral Health Work Environment

OPEN MINDS The Behavioral Health & Social Service Industry Analyst Cover Story According to a recent report commissioned by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the behavioral health workforce is in shambles, and the recovery environment in the United States has become “toxic” to persons in recovery, family members, and the workforce. The causes of this workforce discontent are legion: Reduced staffing levels, as a cost-cutting measure, while patient caseloads and acuity levels increase The ambiguity of many rules, regulations, and expectations of the current health care environment An over-reliance (in some organizations) on simplified . . .