Supporting Mental Health for School Healthcare Workers: Paraprofessionals, PCAs, and RBTs | GHR Healthcare

May 23, 2024

Paraprofessionals (Paras), Personal Care Assistants (PCAs), and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) play a vital role in the classroom, providing support for students and educators alike. However, one of the biggest challenges Paras, PCAs, and RBTs face is the impact the demanding role can have on their mental health. According to research from Education Week, “more than a quarter of paraprofessionals say they’re likely to leave their job within the next year and go into a field outside of K-12,” largely due to a lack of support. This article explores these professionals' challenges and offers strategies on how individuals and school districts can support their well-being.

The Impact of the Role of Paraprofessionals, PCAs, and RBTs on their Mental Health

Paras, PCAs, and RBTs are on the front lines of education, working closely with students who often have significant behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges. Their role demands patience, empathy, and resilience, essential qualities that can gradually strain their mental fortitude. According to research conducted by the University of Michigan’s Behavioral Health Workforce Research Center, the demanding nature of their work can result in compassion fatigue, a significant risk factor for their mental health.

Compassion Fatigue is the emotional and psychological stress, burnout, or withdrawal that can develop from caring for others who are experiencing trauma or distress. It's like secondhand emotional exhaustion.

Continuously navigating complex behaviors, delivering tailored assistance to students with special needs, and shouldering the emotional weight of their responsibilities can lead to debilitating stress and burnout among these education professionals.

How Paraprofessionals, PCAs, and RBTs Can Protect Their Mental Health

Many Paras, PCAs, and RBTs have developed personal strategies to manage their mental health effectively. Here are some insights and tips from experienced professionals:

Quiet Time for Reflection

To protect my mental health, I take 30 minutes after I get off and have quiet time to reflect on my day. I also will occasionally talk to other RBTs about different strategies to assist with challenging behaviors.”

RBT

Kayla S.

Life doesn’t always leave us ample time for ourselves, so it’s important to get creative, whether in the car before or after a commute, a brief meditation session, or a warm bath. Taking time when you can throughout the day to decompress and reflect can help Paras, PCAs, and RBTs process their experiences and reduce anxieties, ultimately contributing to their overall wellness and efficacy in their roles.

Separation of Work and Home Life

To protect my mental health, I try to leave the feelings I may have had at work at the door when I get home and not let them carry over to my home life.”

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Gabrielle Z.

Finding a work-life balance is tough for most of us, but it can be especially difficult for Paras, PCAs, and RBTs, given the weight of their work. It’s important to compartmentalize where you can by scheduling time outside of work to do things that bring you peace. This simple act can help separate the two worlds, whether watching a movie with a loved one or starting a new art project. A clear boundary between work and personal life makes your job and home more enjoyable.

Not Taking Student Reactions Personally

I think paras can and should protect their mental health by not taking poor reactions from students personally and taking the time to reset and start fresh afterwards. Remember that we are in our positions to help the student learn academically and to teach them positive behaviors by being and setting the example with how we react to situations and their poor reactions. Kids are always watching and listening.

It's crucial for paras and all educators to maintain a healthy mindset and not take negative behaviors from students personally. By understanding that students' reactions are often a result of various factors and not a reflection of the paras themselves, it becomes easier to respond in a constructive and supportive manner.

Taking the time to reset and start fresh after challenging interactions is a great strategy to maintain a positive environment for both the students and the paras.”

Paraprofessional

Michael J.

While we are all human and our emotions can, at times, be fragile, it’s important to remind ourselves not to take negativity to heart. Understanding that student behaviors are often not personal but rather a reflection of their own struggles can help Paras, PCAs, and RBTs maintain a healthy mindset. Taking a moment to reset after challenging interactions allows for a positive environment for both students and staff.

Ways Districts Can Protect the Mental Health of Paraprofessionals, PCAs, and RBTs

School districts have a critical role in supporting Paras and RBTs' mental health. Here are several strategies that can be implemented:

Providing Professional Development and Training

Offering ongoing professional development and training in areas like behavior management, instructional strategies, crisis intervention, and de-escalation, self-care, and stress management equips Paras, PCAs, and RBTs with invaluable skills to navigate the complexities of their roles with confidence.

It can also be beneficial to create a survey that allows Paras, PCAs, and RBTs to indicate areas where they’d like more support. By investing in their growth and education, districts empower these professionals to handle challenges effectively, ultimately enhancing the quality of support they provide to students.

Creating a Supportive Work Environment

Fostering a culture of support and collaboration is essential. Districts can facilitate this by clearly outlining Paras', PCAs', and RBTs’ roles, responsibilities, and goals and being open to discussing any questions or concerns they may have. When everyone is on the same page, it creates a positive and productive work environment. Organizing regular check-ins, providing access to mental health resources, and ensuring that Paras, PCAs, and RBTs have opportunities to connect and share experiences with their peers is also fundamental to building a strong and supportive work atmosphere.

Districts can consider organizing social events or outings specifically for Paras, PCAs, and RBTs outside of school hours. This could involve casual gatherings, attending sporting events together, or even creating peer mentorship programs. This would allow them to decompress in a relaxed setting, share tips and stories with colleagues, and build camaraderie outside of the pressures of the school day.

Offering Access to Mental Health Resources

In order to ensure Paras, PCAs, and RBTs feel valued and supported requires providing avenues for them to be heard and respected within their professional setting. Offering access to counseling services, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and opportunities for mental health days, can profoundly impact their well-being and overall job satisfaction.

Prioritizing the emotional and professional needs of Paras, PCAs, and RBTs leads to enhanced job satisfaction, improved outcomes, and a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.

Paras, PCAs, and RBTs are invaluable members of the educational community, and their mental health is essential to their success and the success of the students they support. By adopting personal wellness strategies and encouraging districts to implement supportive measures, we can create a healthier, more sustainable work environment for these dedicated professionals.

Mental Health Resources for Paras, PCAs & RBTs

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many districts offer EAPs that provide confidential counseling and support services. For example, an EAP might offer telephone counseling sessions with licensed therapists or access to online mental health resources.
Professional Counseling Services: Seeking professional counseling can provide personalized support and strategies for managing stress and burnout. More traditional in-person counseling options can be beneficial as well as online therapy platforms such as BetterHelp, Talkspace, or the Larkr app.
Online Support Groups: Platforms like Facebook groups, Reddit communities, or specialized forums specifically for education professionals can provide a supportive environment for Paras, PCAs, and RBTs to connect with peers, share experiences, and seek advice on managing job-related stressors and mental health challenges.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Apps: Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer can be useful tools for managing stress and practicing mindfulness.
Crisis Hotlines and Helplines: National or local crisis hotlines offer immediate support and resources for individuals experiencing mental health crises or emotional distress. These hotlines are typically staffed by trained counselors who can provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and referrals to appropriate resources.

Paras, PCAs, and RBTs can continue to thrive in their essential roles by prioritizing mental health at both individual and organizational levels, fostering a positive and supportive educational environment for all.