Factors That Influence the Career Decisions of Mental Health Professionals in Texas

ABSTRACT

Understanding factors influencing career decision-making among mental health professionals is needed to better understand the behavioral healthcare shortage. To accomplish this, we surveyed mental health professionals in Texas. Eighty-three professionals who had recently entered the workforce completed the survey. We used reflexive thematic analysis and identified nine themes that impact career decision-making: professional growth, job security and stability, personal preferences, avoiding negative outcomes, reputation, personal connections, licensure path, perception of work/life balance, and meaningfulness. We share implications for the profession.

KEYWORDS:

• Counseling training
• career decisions
• community mental health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Melissa Alvarado

Melissa Alvarado, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Counseling at St. Edward’s University. Dr. Alvarado is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Approved Supervisor in Texas. Most of her clinical work has been with adolescent and adult trauma survivors. She is an active member of many professional counseling associations. Her teaching and research interests include positive youth development, supervision best practices, counselor self-care, and community mental health.

Elizabeth Wong

Elizabeth Wong is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in the Austin, Texas area. She received her Master of Arts in Counseling degree from St. Edward’s University. Elizabeth works at the Local Mental Health Authority of Travis County serving adults involved in the criminal justice system, and additionally works with individuals in private practice. She is trained in EMDR, CBT, and DBT and has experience supporting clients with mood disorders, psychosis, and trauma.