Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Turnover Rates Among Staff in Community Mental Health and Substance Use Organizations

This article explores the historic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on turnover rates among staff in community mental health and substance use organizations in the United States. While existing literature extensively covers turnover in physical healthcare settings, the mental health and substance use sector’s unique challenges have received less attention. The study utilizes a six-year dataset from a large multi-service organization in the northeast to analyze turnover patterns before, during, and after the pandemic. Key findings include a spike in turnover during the pandemic, particularly in Hospital Diversion Programs, and significant variations by age and gender. Despite the pandemic not significantly affecting overall turnover rates, the results offer insights into specific groups at risk for turnover, such as staff under 29 years old. The study concludes by discussing the implications for targeted retention strategies, especially as mental health organizations nationwide adopt the Certified Community Behavioral Health Center model.