My time at The Trevor Project was disappointing despite its important mission. Leadership lacked transparency, and communication was poor. Staff felt unsupported, with decisions made without input, leading to confusion and frustration. The overwhelming workload and lack of recognition for work-life balance caused burnout and low morale.
Growth opportunities were limited, especially for those with mental health expertise, as management often promoted individuals without relevant backgrounds based on personal relationships (i.e. VP of Crisis Intervention with no clinical background was hired by long time friend who is chief of staff) There was a troubling absence of licensed mental health professionals in leadership roles, undermining the organization’s effectiveness. Additionally, the culture was toxic, with instances of gossip, belittling, misgendering, and a pervasive sense of fear and distrust.
Racism and microaggressions were prevalent, with concerns largely ignored. The practicum student program often felt like a staffing tactic rather than a meaningful learning experience. The organization’s lack of HIPAA compliance raised serious concerns, as sensitive data of minor contacts was accessible to all staff and management.
Lastly, employees with advanced degrees were often dismissed, with their expertise devalued. Overall, The Trevor Project’s internal culture, leadership, and handling of diversity and privacy made it a challenging and discouraging workplace for mental health professionals.