The Association of Psychotherapy With Burnout, Depression, and Measures of Well-Being in Residents and Fellows: A Pilot Study

Abstract Purpose Resident physicians experience high rates of burnout and depression but rarely prioritize their well-being or seek mental health care. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education mandated that training programs prioritize resident wellness and emotional and mental health to ensure readily available and accessible mental health care. To help meet that requirement and circumvent barriers to accessing care, the University of California San Diego Healer Education Assessment z score, 2.86; P = .004), self-compassion (mean SE coefficient, 0.37 0.07; z score, 5.72; P < .001), and quality of life ( P < .001) and significant reductions in burnout (Stanford burnout scale: mean SE coefficient, −0.27 0.07; z score, −4.01; P < .001; single-item burnout scale: mean SE coefficient, −0.34 0.08; z score, −4.37; P < .001) and depression severity (mean SE coefficient, −1.08 0.25; z score, −4.36; P < .001). Conclusions This pilot study noted improvements in fulfillment, compassion, quality of life, and function, as well as reductions in burnout and depression severity, among resident physicians. Future studies in larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings and inform further optimization of this program.