When staff turnover threatened care at a psychiatric emergency service facility, leadership partnered with LocumTenens.com to fill critical coverage gaps. Within weeks, four credentialed licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs ) and one licensed family & marriage therapist (LMFT) were deployed to ensure uninterrupted care for adults and children in crisis, stabilizing essential services while permanent providers were onboarded.
With thorough credentialing and seamless coverage, we helped the facility maintain continuity of care, accelerate onboarding and strengthen overall operations.
Challenge
Initially, the facility was in need of three LCSWs to maintain services and support the onboarding and training of their new hires. Recent staff departures had created gaps in coverage for patients in crisis, making continuity of care a priority.
Based on a previous longstanding relationship with a recruiter successfully placing MDs and NPs at the facility, they turned to LocumTenens.com to help ensure trusted and reliable continuity of care.
Solution
With numerous certified candidates presented by LocumTenens.com, the facility decided to take on four qualified locum LCSWs and one LMFT to address its needs during this transition period.
The clinicians worked three to four shifts per week. The transition strategy involved:
- Seamless coverage from locum LCSWs while also training permanent staff
- Continuity of care for patients in crisis stabilization
- Expanding existing partnership beyond physician and NP staffing into additional behavioral health roles providing wraparound support
- Supporting care transitions, including discharge planning and patient stabilization from ER to outpatient services
By staffing across behavioral health roles, LocumTenens.com can provide wraparound services that keep your facility fully supported and free of coverage gaps:
“The support from LocumTenens.com has been excellent. My recruiter made the process seamless and even connected me with additional recruiters to expand my options. I’ve consistently experienced professionalism, strong communication, and a genuine commitment to finding the right fit for my goals.”
- LCSW program testimonial
Results and impacts
Initially, a three-month transition period was anticipated. However, the process was accelerated due in large part to the transition management program implemented by LocumTenens.com and its clinicians.
Noting highly positive feedback, including smooth communication, quality candidates and excellent coordination, the partnership resulted in more than 130 shifts covered.
During these shifts, the placed clinicians averaged five patients per shift, with busy days reaching up to 15. This coverage enabled the facility to:
- Onboard their three perm hires
- Provide overnight and weekend coverage
- Treat approximately 1,950 crisis-level patients
By working efficiently and effectively, we addressed the client’s priorities and patient needs more quickly, maximizing value while minimizing disruption.
“LocumTenens.com’s responsive and efficient team made it easy for us to address our urgent need for overnight coverage. With the LCSWs placed, their team helped us get the support needed to ensure there wasn’t a gap in care for our patients."
- Facility program coordinator
Looking ahead
As behavioral health needs continue to rise across the country, wraparound service staffing models that are flexible and responsive are crucial for providing uninterrupted care to patients. This collaboration demonstrates how our behavioral health expertise can help your facility navigate coverage gaps , onboarding and higher patient volumes without compromising patient experience or outcomes.
Contact LocumTenens.com today to explore solutions tailored to your facility’s needs.