UC San Diego

High levels of emotional exhaustion are frequently reported among clinicians working in community mental health settings. This study draws on social exchange theory and examines the relationships between emotional exhaustion and mental health provider work attitudes and turnover, and the moderating effect of functional psychological climates. Data were analyzed using multilevel structural equation modeling in a sample of 311 mental health providers from 49 community mental health programs. Results revealed that emotional exhaustion was negatively related to work attitudes, and the relationship was moderated by functional climates characterized by high levels of cooperation, growth and advancement opportunities, and role clarity. Specifically, the relationship between emotional exhaustion and work attitudes was attenuated for providers working in programs with a more functional psychological climate. Lower work attitudes significantly predicted higher clinician turnover. Results are discussed as they relate to improving climates and enhancing mental health provider and organizational well-being.