r/NDtherapists

I found out yesterday that our agency is getting cameras. At the front and back doors and parking lots, I don't have an issue. Lobby, I can see that being OK, but have some reservations as our admins are not comfortable with that. And they want to put one IN MY OFFICE. Not anyone else's office, just me. This is supposedly because I do all the intakes. We are told they will only be viewed if there's an incident, but also that all high-level managers will be able to look at them anytime. Also, there won't be audio, but I have read that some surveillance systems are now able to read lips.

In the seven years I have been here, there has NEVER been a situation where we were wishing "If only we had video of that incident." I asked around and someone remembered an incident 12 years ago, but that happened in the parking lot. These cameras have already gone into other locations, and we have heard that a certain manager is using them to scold employees for stuff like what they were wearing or doing, no client involved.

There is years-long earned distrust for that manager, against whom multiple HR complaints have been filed. Eight people have quit because of this person's abuse. I have cried multiple times and have comforted many other people after run-ins with them. And now they'll be able to watch me working in my office whenever they want? I find this unacceptable.

I do not think I will be able to feel safe and comfortable with a camera watching me at all times. I was told that when this came up in a leadership meeting, leaders from my office immediately said "OP will quit if you put a camera in her office." I also have a caseload, the littles probably won't care, but the teens are going to have a big problem with a camera during therapy.

Putting aside the fact that we have never actually needed footage of an intake, I do many intakes in a different room with less breakable stuff than my office. I guess I could be OK with a camera in there, and just do ALL the intakes in that room. My office is my safe space. Sometimes I change clothes in there. It is my sanctuary. I don't think I could tolerate this. It would be super easy for me to get a different job. But I love my coworkers and agency, I don't want to leave.

Any advice? What would you do?

Edit: I have written to HR about my concerns and gotten a warm reply. I spoke with Boss who is also Not Happy. Coworkers also Not Happy. I plan to write a letter and see if I can get all my coworkers to sign on. Apparently we have some time to push back. Thanks, everyone!

Edit2: My supervisor claims that having a camera in every therapist's office is just normal and standard and nothing to be concerned about. I asked if there is a camera in her office right now (it was a zoom meeting) and she said no!

Edit3: I spoke with each of my coworkers yesterday and got everyone's perspective. Everyone wants to sign the letter. One very key coworker said they will likely quit if there's a camera in their workspace. Several think our rural population will strenuously object to cameras and it will be a barrier to care. Proposed Flock cameras are a hot-button issue in town right now, uniting everyone. I will finish the letter over the weekend and we will sign and deliver it Monday. I also checked with colleagues at the other 2 agencies in our town. They do not have cameras and expressed horror at the idea. I think we have a good chance of at least limiting the cameras.

The more I think about it, the more it seems like intakes are the least in need of surveillance, since there are always multiple people, including parents, present. Everyone is in agreement that this feels like employee surveillance, and not something intended to protect us from imaginary allegations of abuse.

Most of my social work experience has been in case management, supporting people with a wide range of mental health diagnoses, intellectual disabilities, and complex medical needs. After obtaining my LCSW, I accepted my first full time therapist position.
I’m neurodivergent and have chronic health conditions that worsen with stress. I went into the role expecting reasonable work and life balance, some control over my schedule, and the opportunity to use my clinical judgment. Instead, I’ve experienced micromanagement, rigid productivity expectations, and little room for the individualized, trauma informed, person centered care I value.
I’m required to provide 32 hours of availability and see a minimum of 25 clients each week. Some days I see eight or nine clients, often with four consecutive hour long sessions and no break. I can control scheduling for my standing clients, but intakes can be placed anywhere within those 32 available hours, without my input. That makes it difficult to pace my day around my energy and health needs.
I enjoy aspects of being a therapist. What I’m struggling with is the volume, limited scheduling control, and feeling restricted in how I can meet clients where they are. I’m also being evaluated against expectations that don’t always reflect the complexity of their needs or the progress they’re making.
This has taken a significant toll on my mental and physical health. The thought of returning to this job now triggers panic attacks. As a new therapist, I’m struggling to separate this particular work environment from my ability to do the work. I’m starting to question whether providing therapy can be sustainable for me.
I’d really appreciate hearing from other LCSWs who are neurodivergent, chronically ill, or both:
What helped you find a sustainable pace when you were new to providing therapy?
What strategies, accommodations, or boundaries have helped you prevent burnout, especially when you have limited control over scheduling?
Did changing employers or settings make therapy more sustainable?
What interview questions helped you get an honest picture of productivity expectations, scheduling autonomy, flexibility, and clinical support?
Have you found sustainable roles beyond full time direct therapy, or positions that combine therapy with other responsibilities?
How do you recognize early warning signs of burnout, and what do you do when you notice them?
I’d especially welcome experiences with case management, clinical oversight, training, quality improvement, or program development. I’d also appreciate employer recommendations from people who have felt supported in workplaces that understand neurodivergence and chronic illness.
I want to do meaningful work, but I don’t want to sacrifice my own mental and physical health to help other people with theirs.