The perspective of mental health providers on shared trauma, social isolation and technology during the COVID-19 pandemic with adolescents at therapeutic schools

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic forced mental health professionals (MHPs) to immediately transition to a remote therapeutic model. This transition brought challenges, but particularly so for those working in therapeutic schools with high-risk adolescents. This study sought to explore the experiences of these MHPs working in therapeutic schools in New York and New Jersey during the height of the pandemic with a focus on social isolation, technology, and shared trauma. Eight MHPs participated in semi-structured interviews via Zoom and transcripts were coded to identify themes. The findings identified five themes, including social isolation; technology; shared trauma; communication and skills; feeling helpless, guidance, boundaries, and motivation. These themes highlighted the need for clinical support and supervision, as well as the adversity of MHPs in facing challenges. The findings can be applied to social work practice, education, and policy to emphasize the changes that need to be made to support social workers as teletherapy becomes the new norm.