Friends:
Like the rest of you, Iowa is experiencing a severe shortage of MHP's where new graduates are attracted to private practice opportunities versus the difficulty work inherent in working in CMHC's. We are continuing to lose therapists, both temporarily licensed or independently licensed (after we provide them with the supervision and training to obtain their independent license) to private practice settings where their caseloads are lower, the keep more of what they bill, can use discretion in who or how many referrals they accept, have a "work life balance", etc.
Looking for creative solutions to meet the growing needs, especially as we apply for our CCBHC application. Sign on bonuses, retention bonuses, additional CE dollars and days, etc. are not effective. Looking at any creative ways to meet increasing demands with limited therapy resources before we have to stop taking new referrals which I do NOT want to do but I also realize I have to protect the staff that remain. We are still using open access scheduling but again, the demand exceeds our ability to get them in for treatment after the initial evaluation.
Considering and interested in your input:
1. Limiting the number of OP sessions, like an EAP model.
2. Using some formal process to determine who "needs" therapy.
3. Contracting with an outside entity that provides telehealth therapists - companies you have used or are good?
4. Shutting down referrals for therapy but continuing medication evaluations and management as well as our community based services.
Just looking for input. First crisis I have not been able to solve in the past 32 years and frustrated!
Thanks.
Tom
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Tom Eachus
Executive Director
Black Hawk Grundy MHC
Waterloo, IA
(319)234-2893, Ext. 225
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