Salary and Turnover in Community-Based Mental Health Agencies

The Coalition of Voluntary Mental Health Agencies, Inc. (CVMHA) represents community-based mental health agencies in New York State. State government provided this sector with only three Cost Of Living Adjustment increases in the past twelve years, leaving many agencies unable to offer direct-care staff competitive compensation packages. CVMHA asked the Capstone team to design and conduct a survey that would effectively capture information regarding salary, turnover of direct-care staff, and quality of care within programs offered by their member agencies. Based on analysis of the survey responses, qualitative interviews with industry professionals, and comparative analysis, the Capstone team prepared a position paper that CVMHA can use as a lobbying tool.