The Impact of Embedded Work: How to Engage and Retain Embedded Counselors on College Campuses

Embedded programs in college counseling centers have emerged across campuses in response to growing demands for mental health support for college students. Though the benefits of embedded programs for students have been well established, less is known about the impact these programs have on the providers. Preliminary discussions suggest that this work can be burdensome, given the nuances of working outside of the counseling center, navigating the cultures of different colleges, and coordinating with campus partners. To better understand the inherent impacts on the providers, a survey was sent to embedded providers across the country to learn more about how to engage and retain embedded counselors on college campuses. Data for this study consisted of a 17 question Qualtrics survey. The survey utilized a mixed-method approach, incorporating multiple choice options for structured data, open-ended questions for qualitative insights, and a 1–10 rating scale to assess levels of stressors. It was completed by 94 embedded therapists across North America (United States and Canada). This study serves as an essential first step in understanding the challenges of college and university counseling centers’ embedded therapists. The data is reviewed, and suggestions are made for optimizing the sustainability of the embedded role.