Implementing evidence-based group psychotherapy in Veterans Health Administration (VHA): Implications for burnout and burnout reduction.

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

During the implementation of evidence-based group psychotherapy in the VHA, factors such as limited prior experience, insufficient preparation time, and staff turnover contribute to provider burnout, while consultation teams effectively reduce burnout and support proficiency in treating high-risk veterans. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

Thorayya Said Giovannelli; Kristin Mattocks; Frances M. Aunon; Steve Martino; Scarlett O. Baird; Neal Doran; Jennifer K. Rielage; Josephine Ridley; Jenny Bannister; Sara J. Landes; Marianne Goodman; Lorrie Walker; Eric DeRycke; Chris Shriver; Lyanette Martinez; Hannah Brown; Elena Shest; Elizabeth Galliford; Suzanne E. Decker

doi:10.1037/ser0001068

Key Points

To examine factors influencing clinician burnout and burnout mitigation during the implementation of an evidence-based group psychotherapy for veterans at high risk for suicide.
Qualitative evaluation collecting 16 qualitative quotes across 14 healthcare provider respondents.
Triangulated participant interview data with longitudinal process notes recorded during regular clinical site meetings.
Providers anticipated high burnout prior to implementing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Groups when managing veterans at elevated risk for suicide attempts.
During rollout, primary drivers of elevated burnout included limited prior familiarity with evidence-based psychotherapies, insufficient group preparation time, and frequent staff turnover.
Dedicated peer consultation teams mitigated clinician burnout and enhanced clinical proficiency when delivering interventions to high-risk patients.

Implication

Qualitative evaluation reveals drivers of clinician burnout during group therapy rollouts in veteran care, highlighting peer consultation teams as protective buffers.

Abstract

= 16 quotes provided by 14 respondents). We triangulated this data with process note data gathered at our site meetings to provide further context. Before DBT Skills Group implementation, providers anticipated high rates of burnout when treating veterans at high risk for suicide attempts and that the consultation team could attenuate burnout. During implementation, providers noted limited prior experience with evidence-based psychotherapies, little time to prepare for group, and staff turnover as factors related to higher burnout. Veterans Health Administration staff also noted the value of the consultation team for reducing provider burnout and ensuring staff were proficient in treating high-risk veterans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

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Cite This Study

Giovannelli et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8fe94110c91c1e92620e8c https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0001068

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Implementing evidence-based group psychotherapy in Veterans Health Administration (VHA): Implications for burnout and burnout reduction.

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Implementing evidence-based group psychotherapy in Veterans Health Administration (VHA): Implications for burnout and burnout reduction.

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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