A system in crisis
A strong and equitable community mental health system can empower people to recover, heal and thrive.
But in Oregon, even as funding for community mental health has increased, care providers remain underpaid and overworked—and the most vulnerable Oregonians are paying the price.
To understand what’s working and what’s not, we spoke with clinicians throughout the state, assessed outcomes for clients, analyzed financial data and researched working conditions at Oregon’s behavioral health agencies. The upsetting findings reveal a system in crisis, where billing targets and profits outweigh people’s needs.
Key Findings
Overworked
Care providers juggle caseloads of 100 clients or more, making it impossible to provide consistent care.
Frequent Burnout
With huge caseloads and very little support, burnout is the norm, resulting in high rates of turnover.
Inconsistent Care
Clients regularly wait months for a follow-up appointment, and they’re forced to start over with new providers as often as every three months.
Underpaid
With stagnant pay and poor benefits, providers earn far less than other workers with similar levels of education.
More Funding, Poor Care
The six largest behavioral health agencies in Multnomah County have seen a 30% increase in funding in the past five years, but this increase in revenue has not resulted in better care.
Problems like these are why Oregon ranks 51st in the country for mental health outcomes, behind every other state and Washington DC.
