Retention Playbook: Keeping Therapists On-Site In A Telehealth Era
In today’s mental healthcare landscape, therapist retention is one of the biggest challenges for clinics and private practices—especially for on-site roles. As a mental health recruiter, I speak with dozens of therapists each week. While some seek in-person opportunities, many hesitate to give up the flexibility of remote work.
Having partnered with mental health employers across Southern California, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to attract and retain top therapy talent. Below, I’ll share three proven strategies to help your organization stand out and keep your clinicians engaged—whether you run a behavioral health clinic, psychiatry practice, or addiction treatment center.
1. Invest in AI-Powered Clinical Documentation
Therapists face heavy emotional workloads and time-consuming administrative tasks like charting and clinical notes. Without the right support, burnout is inevitable. Leading employers are now adopting AI charting platforms such as Upheal to automate and streamline documentation, giving therapists more time and energy to focus on clients.
As Alison Morogiello, a Licensed Professional Counselor, shared, “Upheal has granted me time, but more importantly—energy! The quality of my work and my life has improved significantly since incorporating Upheal and its AI technology.”
Supporting your therapists with the latest technology isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about investing in their well-being and job satisfaction. Similarly, psychiatrist clients have reported platforms like Tebra help them maximize reimbursements and reduce administrative headaches.
2. Offer Flexible Scheduling Options
A flexible workweek is a powerful retention tool. Many clinics now allow therapists to work “four tens” (four 10-hour days) instead of the traditional five-day week. This model, especially in PHP/IOP settings, allows clinicians to see more clients in fewer days, catering to both early birds and those who value a weekday off.
Not every therapist wants the same schedule—and that’s the point. Give your clinicians a choice and you’ll boost both satisfaction and retention. In my recruiting process, I assess candidates’ preferred work styles and help employers build teams that thrive long-term.
Want help screening for therapist “staying power”? Schedule a recruitment consultation to learn more about effective therapist hiring and retention strategies.
3. Provide Dependent Health Insurance
If you want to attract—and keep—top mental health professionals, don’t overlook benefits for families. Cross River Therapy states, “women comprise over 70% of therapists in the U.S.”, and my own data shows that a third of therapist job offers are declined due to lack of dependent health coverage. While it’s unfortunate there’s such a need for dependent coverage, it’s also an easy opportunity for companies to stand out as a competitive employer of choice.
The Bottom Line: Make a Compelling Offer
Therapists choose workplaces that value their time, well-being, and families. To retain your clinical team, move beyond outdated benefits and rigid work models. Invest in the right technology, provide flexible schedules, and offer meaningful benefits—and you’ll see therapist retention soar.
If you’d like tailored advice on boosting therapist retention or communicating your employer brand, schedule a call with our agency. We specialize in placing and retaining the very best in mental healthcare.
