2012

Research studies have shown that there is a high risk for burnout and job turnover during the first 3 years of work experience for professionals employed in human services or health care professions (Maslach, 2003). Higher risks of burnout have been reported in the counseling profession due to work-related responsibilities (Raquepaw & Miller, 1989). Burnout in mental health professionals has been identified primarily by emotional and physical exhaustion, a lack of personal accomplishment, and a depersonalization of clients (Rupert & Kent, 2007). To this researcher’s knowledge, no empirical study on burnout syndrome had been conducted with mental health professionals grouped by their professional identity as Licensed Mental Health Counselors or Counselor Interns. Per the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern has a master’s degree fulfilling state requirements in mental health counseling and must work a minimum of 2 years under a qualified supervisor prior to licensure. Licensed Mental Health Counselors must complete the aforementioned prerequisites, successfully pass a licensure exam, and maintain all state licensure requirements (Florida Department of Health, 2010).