One size does not fit all: the multifaceted impact of COVID-19 on graduate-level behavioral health professions students.

Abstract

Objective: Better understanding how behavioral health professions students were impacted by COVID-19 can help educators inform their education practices. Participants: The present study examined the impact of COVID-19 among n = 83 students enrolled in two universities across five graduate-level behavioral health training programs - clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychiatric nursing, and social work. Method: Participants completed the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (EPII), and descriptive statistics were examined. Results: On average, fourteen life issues were impacted negatively by COVID-19. The most reported negative impacts of COVID-19 were more time on screens/devices, canceling/restricting family celebrations, and canceling planned travel. Participants also endorsed positive impacts of COVID-19, including increased appreciation for, and more attention paid to, personal health. Conclusions: Students have been impacted by COVID-19 both negatively and positively. Educators need to be mindful of the multifaceted impacts and continue to adjust their training considerations to adapt as needed.