In the first half of 2022, AAMFT conducted an industry workforce study to examine the shifts related to COVID-19, their short- and longer-term impacts, and what challenges and opportunities are facing the field. In each issue of Family Therap-eNews, we examine a data point from this report.
To download the full report, visit aamft.org/workforcestudy
Almost two-thirds (63%) of LMFTs indicated demand for their services has grown as a result of COVID-19, with one third (34%) noting an increase in work hours because of the pandemic. About half (49%) reported working fully or partially remotely due to COVID-19. Segmentation revealed that the impact of COVID-19 increased slightly as age decreased.
Indications are that those currently in the field are at maximum capacity. Therapists reported spending an average of 21.8 hours a week delivering direct client services, just above the average of 20.4 hours they would like to spend delivering these services.
About half (46%) expected that the amount of time they spend delivering direct, clinical/therapeutic services will not change over the next year. Nearly one third (32%) anticipated the amount of time spent on these services will increase, compared to just 17% of those who expect the amount of time to decrease.
A fifth (21%) of school/college/university LMFTs expected a significant increase in the time they spend delivering services over the next year.
With MFTs from every category reporting average clinical service hours above their desired amount, and most anticipating this situation will not change in the near term, potential burnout is a concern for the industry moving forward. In fact, over one-third (35%) of respondents indicated that burnout/managing a high client load was one of the top challenges facing the profession over the coming years.
