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Ponessa Behavioral Health

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Emotionally exhausting work with no structure or resources to suceed - Therapeutic Staff Support Ponessa Behavioral Health Employee Review

1.0
5 Aug 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You get a firsthand look at the mental health challenges in the community and develop compassion.

Cons

The caseloads were overwhelming, and you're basically thrown into situations without adequate training or tools. There was no clear supervision, and communication from the top and compounded by a system that seemed more interested in billing hours than actually helping clients. Staff turnover was high because no one felt valued.

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Ponessa Behavioral Health Response
11mo
We agree that the work we do in IBHS can be challenging. Our staff provides services and support directly in natural settings, which can result in a need for more intentional outreach and support. The Therapeutic Staff Support role transitioned to Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) approximately 5 years ago; so my guess is your experience was under different regulations. With that transition came increased training and supervision. Before even working with a client, we provide new staff with over 60 hours of training, which includes on-site training with prospective clients. New staff are enrolled in a weekly Mentor Group for 3 months, which provides additional support and training as they adjust to their new role. We also provide weekly group supervision, individual monthly supervision, and ongoing on-site training for BHTs with Master’s level clinicians. BHTs work closely with their assigned clinician on their case for frequent guidance and treatment direction. We are proud to say that our leadership team (IBHS Director and County Coordinators) are all very dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced supervisors in IBHS specifically; who have been invested with Ponessa Behavioral Health for many years, and some decades.

Explore other reviews about Ponessa Behavioral Health

5.0
16 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I enjoy how there are many opportunities for BHTs and others who work for the comany to create a positive work community. My higher-ups have been very helpful, informational, firm and kind. I enjoy working with my client and it has been a good transition into working in a school setting

Cons

I cannot think about any cons right now.

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Ponessa Behavioral Health Response
3mo
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re so glad to hear that you’ve found a supportive and positive work community, and that your supervisors have made a meaningful impact through guidance and support. It’s wonderful to know your transition into the school setting has been a smooth and rewarding one, and that you’re enjoying your work with your consumer. We truly appreciate the important role our BHTs do each day—thank you!
1.0
10 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The rapport within the department was generally good, people are very supportive of one another. Supervisors could be helpful too depending on the issue. You do get to make your own schedule (somewhat). It's a nice building, I liked my individual office.

Cons

It completely wrecked my mental health; I was literally always burnt out and dealt with several severe depressive episodes while employed, as well as trauma symptoms afterwards. Granted I know this is partially due to the state of community mental health in general; however, I was in a state of constant anxiety regarding my productivity hours and always felt like I was being gaslit. If you don't meet your quota, you start losing PTO hours or sometimes even your salary. I worked 11 hour days and would still have to bring work home with me. I never felt good enough no matter what I did to get ahead. The business focuses more on quantity of clients rather than quality of their care; it sometimes felt more like I was working in a factory than in a therapy office. I feel bad because the clients are really the ones that suffer for it.

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Ponessa Behavioral Health Response
3mo
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear you experienced a supportive team environment during your time with us. We do want to clarify that expectations around productivity and scheduling are clearly communicated throughout the hiring process and regularly reviewed with staff to ensure transparency. We strive to provide consistency and support so clinicians understand what is required and have the resources to be successful. We recognize that community mental health can be demanding work and may not be the right fit for everyone. We remain committed to maintaining a supportive workplace while delivering high-quality care to our clients. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
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