Licensed psychologists’ self-reported stress levels and burnout by career stage
Early and midcareer psychologists consistently reported higher levels of stress than senior and late senior career psychologists, according to annual APA practitioner surveys conducted in 2021 through 2023.1,2 In fact, psychologists’ average self-reported stress levels decreased as psychologists’ careers advanced.3
Similarly, earlier career psychologists were consistently more likely to report they felt burned out than psychologists in later career stages. Although rates of burnout are slowly falling, each year of the survey more than one third of psychologists still reported feeling burned out.
These findings emphasize the importance of efforts to support workforce retention, especially among psychologists at the beginning of their careers. Persistently high stress levels and burnout may lead to switching fields, early retirement, or less productive careers. Retention efforts will be critical as psychologists face ongoing behavioral health workforce shortages, limited capacity for openings for new patients, and longer waiting lists.
Percentage of psychologists who agree or strongly agree with the statement “I feel burned out” by career stage and year
Psychologists’ average self-reported stress levels by career stage and year
