Implementing On-Site Therapy for Critical Care Nurses Can Lower Burnout Rates

Recent research presented at the ATS 2025 International Conference emphasizes the significant benefits of integrating a dedicated team therapist within critical care units to mitigate nurse burnout. The traditional approach of referring nurses to external mental health resources often falls short, as many nurses do not utilize these services. Instead, embedding a professional therapist directly into the care team offers immediate support, fostering resilience and improving mental health outcomes.

The study, conducted at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights how the presence of an on-staff therapist can markedly reduce nurse turnover. During the pandemic, the facility faced immense challenges, with nurses experiencing high levels of emotional distress and a 29% turnover rate. The hospital collaborated with an affiliated mental health institution to position a trained therapist as a full-time member of the team. This intervention led to a decline in turnover to a low of 1%, with some fluctuations.

Survey data from 116 nurses revealed that those who engaged with the on-site therapist reported higher job satisfaction, lower burnout levels, and increased resilience. They also perceived themselves as better equipped to manage their mental health. Compared to external support options like Employee Assistance Programs, onsite therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness in supporting nurses.

First author Julie Graham, Ph.D., APRN, noted that the high cost of nurse turnover underscores the value of this approach. Replacing an ICU nurse is expensive, and the savings from reduced turnover can offset the cost of employing a therapist. The initiative's success encourages other hospitals to consider similar integrated mental health support models for frontline healthcare workers.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to conduct further studies to measure outcomes such as absenteeism and long-term retention, aiming to validate the sustained benefits of on-site therapy for critical care staff.