Therapy for Physicians: Why Go Alone
In an article published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, “Changes in Burnout Satisfaction with Work-Life Integration in Physicians During the First 2 Years of the Covid-19 Pandemic” discusses the dramatic increase in burnout and decrease in satisfaction with work life integration in US physicians between 2020 and 2021. Just under 63% of those surveyed had 1 manifestation of burnout. Their conclusion suggests that the increase in physician distress was work-related.
Therapy for Physicians
Why aren’t you talking about this? 63% of you have 1 manifestation of burnout. A quick reminder. Burnout traditionally has 3 different dimensions. Those dimensions are feelings of exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Are you feeling any of these? Well, 3 out of 5 of you are. Why isn’t this a bigger conversation?
One of the reasons I’ve heard physicians aren’t seeking support for burnout or any mental health issue for that matter is that it is perceived as something negative about themselves. I have two thoughts on this. Many healthcare providers would agree that mental health is similar to physical health. Mental health and physical health combine to make our health. Why is it that people don’t perceive depression to be the same as diabetes? Why isn’t PTSD viewed in the same lens as a neurological disorder? I know the answer is stigma. This has to change. My second thought is that with burnout, people always blame the individual. How come people are not examining the environment? I heard someone explain burnout like this. Individuals are like seeds. We plant the seed, water it and give it sunlight. If the seed fails to grow, why don’t blame the seed? We figure out what is wrong in the environment and change it so the seed will grow. How come we don’t view individuals as the seed? The environment plays a significant role in burnout and is often overlooked.
Another reason why physicians aren’t seeking help is because they are concerned about their medical boards or an employer finding out about this issue. I’m here to give you insight from a licensed mental health professional. Burnout is technically not a medical disorder listed in the DSM-V. In theory, since it is not a medical disorder, you cannot bill insurance for the issue. Clinicians who accept your insurance and are treating your burnout are more than likely using the anxiety NOS disorder to bill. I wrote a blog about using insurance here. There is a possibility that medical boards or an employer can find out about your issues if you use insurance. That is a fact. The reason for this is because insurance needs to process the paperwork for reimbursement. There’s a paper trail with insurance. If you are a cash-pay client, well, it’s like if you go to a store and purchase something with cash. Only you and that store know. If you’re worried about privacy, pay cash. You have the resources. Use your resources.
Therapy for Physician Burnout
Burnout can affect your longevity in your career. For those early career physicians, if you burn out of healthcare now, you may be in a world of hurt financially, especially if you racked up medical school and residency debt. There aren’t too many careers where you’ll be able to command a physician's salary. You need to watch out for yourself as there won’t be too many who will.
Reach out for Therapy for Physicians
When you’re ready to start therapy with Chris Rabanera, take the first steps with a free 15-minute consultation. I provide online therapy in California, online therapy in Michigan, online therapy in Nebraska, and online therapy in Las Vegas. As an experienced therapist, I specialize in physician burnout, grief counseling, anxiety, and depression. I also provide mental health treatment for men.
