Burnout and Employee Satisfaction of Mental Health Clinicians in Corrections

Approximately 1.9 million individuals are currently incarcerated within the United States. Rehabilitation and preparation for parole back into the community is common goal amongst correctional facilities. Mental health clinicians (social workers and psychologists) within the correctional facilities are providers who assist in the rehabilitation of inmates. Unfortunately, mental health clinicians in correctional facilities experience high rates of burnout and low levels of job satisfaction, resulting in an increase in turnover rates. This research project looks to investigate the impact burnout and employee satisfaction has on mental health clinicians who work in correctional settings. Furthermore, this research project compares burnout and employee satisfaction of mental health clinicians in correctional settings versus mental health clinicians who work in other settings (community-based, non-profit, etc.). This research project questions, for mental health clinicians in correctional facilities, can a reduction in burnout and improvement in employee satisfaction improve turnover rates? While further research is needed and would benefit this topic, this concludes by offering solutions (additional trainings; improved policies; reduction in role confusion) to reduce burnout of mental health clinicians in correctional facilities.