Managing the Human Side of Reopening Your Behavioral Health Facility or Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are reopening your behavioral health practice, you are probably thinking about practical considerations, but have you considered how you will address the “human side” of reopening? The “human side” or psychological and emotional elements of reopening are also critical. It’s normal to feel anxious right now, and in fact, the Census Bureau’s weekly Household Pulse Survey has consistently found that 1/3 of Americans report symptoms of anxiety or depression (April 23-June 9). Whether they remain isolated in their homes or work on the front lines, many individuals have experienced sustained levels of added stress because of COVID-19 (COVID).

You, your staff, and your clients may still be trying to find effective ways to cope with the chronic stress associated with the COVID pandemic. The coronavirus continues to circulate, social norms surrounding face masks and proper interpersonal distance have changed overnight, and reopenings may be paused or reversed based on local spikes in COVID cases. Indeed, having a plan for what to do if there is a spike in COVID infections in your community is an essential part of reopening. While there are no easy solutions to these problems, but the following pages offer practical suggestions and links to useful resources.

Leading during the COVID Pandemic

• How do I address staff and client concerns when I don’t have all the answers?
• I’m a source of support for those around me, but who can I turn to for help when I’m feeling overwhelmed?

Managing Interpersonal Dynamics

• I have to furlough employees, and it’s creating feelings of tension, fear, and resentment among some members of my staff. How can I support my furloughed and non-furloughed staff?
• I transitioned the bulk of my practice to telehealth, but the interpersonal dynamics are so different and I’m concerned I’m not providing adequate care to patients in crisis. How can I use telehealth more effectively?
• I feel like I can’t show warmth and compassion to my colleagues and clients like I used to because of social distancing, masks, and a collective sense of interpersonal wariness. How can I maintain strong relationships while these restrictions are in place?

Addressing Staff and Client Fear, Grief, Anxiety and Loneliness

• My employees and clients are afraid to return to the facility. How can I help them feel more comfortable, especially since PPE is still difficult to obtain?
• We recently lost colleagues, clients, family members, or friends to COVID, and it’s been difficult for us to keep working in the face of our grief. How can I help my staff cope while also taking care of myself?
• What strategies can I use to help clients and their families manage their anxiety and loneliness?
• My staff and I are worried about our personal finances if we don’t start seeing more patients soon. What can I do to help mitigate these concerns?