Finding the right professionals for inpatient vs. outpatient behavioral health facilities presents unique challenges. Each setting requires specific skill sets, experience levels, and work environments, making the hiring process complex. Organizations must understand these differences to recruit and retain qualified behavioral health professionals effectively.

At Riverland Staffing, we specialize in helping behavioral health organizations streamline their hiring strategies for both inpatient and outpatient settings. In this guide, we’ll compare the challenges of hiring for inpatient vs. outpatient behavioral health facilities and provide practical solutions for finding the right professionals for each.

Key Differences Between Inpatient And Outpatient Behavioral Health Facilities

Inpatient Behavioral Health Facilities

Inpatient facilities provide 24/7 supervised care for individuals requiring intensive treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. Staff members work in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment, often managing crisis situations.

✅ Key Roles In Inpatient Facilities:
✔ Psychiatric Nurses
✔ Psychiatrists
✔ Crisis Intervention Specialists
✔ Mental Health Technicians
✔ Social Workers

✅ Common Hiring Challenges:
✔ High burnout rates due to intensive patient needs and long shifts.
✔ Need for staff trained in de-escalation and crisis management.
✔ Difficulty finding licensed professionals willing to work in high-stress environments.

Outpatient Behavioral Health Facilities

Outpatient facilities offer scheduled therapy sessions, psychiatric evaluations, and case management services. Providers work with patients who live independently, offering ongoing support for mental health and addiction recovery.

✅ Key Roles In Outpatient Facilities:
✔ Licensed Therapists (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
✔ Case Managers
✔ Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs)
✔ Addiction Counselors
✔ Behavioral Health Coaches

✅ Common Hiring Challenges:
✔ Need for professionals with strong patient engagement skills.
✔ Finding therapists who accept insurance reimbursement rates.
✔ Retaining counselors who may seek private practice opportunities.

Solutions For Hiring The Right Behavioral Health Professionals

1. Offer Competitive Compensation And Benefits

✅ Provide shift differentials and retention bonuses for inpatient professionals.
✅ Offer continuing education support for outpatient therapists to maintain licensure.
✅ Develop loan forgiveness or tuition reimbursement programs for both settings.

2. Optimize The Hiring Process For Each Setting

✅ Use behavioral assessments to evaluate crisis management skills for inpatient roles.
✅ Prioritize candidates with strong interpersonal skills and flexibility for outpatient positions.
✅ Partner with a specialized staffing agency to access pre-screened professionals.

3. Implement Retention Strategies To Reduce Turnover

✅ Provide mental health support for employees to prevent burnout.
✅ Create mentorship programs to help new hires transition into inpatient or outpatient roles.
✅ Offer career growth opportunities, such as leadership training or advanced certifications.

How Riverland Staffing Can Help

At Riverland Staffing, we connect behavioral health facilities with highly skilled professionals who match the unique demands of inpatient and outpatient settings. Whether you need immediate placements or long-term staffing solutions, our expertise ensures you find the right talent.

📞 Need to hire behavioral health professionals? Contact Riverland Staffing today at 561-665-7231 to discuss customized staffing solutions.