Pros
- Servicing low-income families and the community can be rewarding. - Colleagues are often understanding of your experience as there is a common thread amongst direct-service staff and their experiences. - The ability to say that you work for an FQHC, can get you established at another hospital or clinic in the future.
Cons
- Administration seems disconnected from direct-service staff. Administration makes a decent income while direct-service staff are given minimal incentive. - Departments are not connected well. Medical does not connect with mental health and vice-versa. Lack of a holistic approach. - As a mental health clinician your caseload could sometimes reach about 36+ (with the expectation of regular therapy, case management, advocacy, etc. for each client/family on your caseload).