Pros
Provides basic entry level experience. I had three different positions over a span of four years and really learned a lot. That was really because I am passionate about the field, not because management taught me anything. They provided some resources and I did the rest on my own. I met some cool people at Lifewell who also left the company as they were able to see the agency for what it is. As a supervisor you can basically do whatever you want. It is really hard to get fired.
Cons
Lifewell is the worst community behavioral health agency. If you are thinking of applying here, don’t. Any other agency would be better way better because it is likely that those employees actually care and support each other. I’ve never seen a company so poorly managed. I have never seen a group of people care so little about others. When I try to explain my experience at Lifewell to others they are in disbelief that an agency could be so atrocious and allow so many unethical and unsafe things to happen. Lifewell is the type of company where if someone has a problem, they can assign this problem to another employee and never look back. I had HUGE problems dumped on me without a supervisor ever thinking twice about how my workload, work/life balance, or emotional well-being was effected. They literally say “this is your problem now” and walk away. When I went to my supervisor with a concern she would say “well I don’t know what to tell you” or “I don’t know how I can help.” You may think I am joking but this is 100% truth. Once a client threw an object at my head. Luckily I ducked and it ended up breaking the window. When I expressed concern to my supervisor she stated “I don’t know what you’re so afraid of”. Yes, this actually happened. A woman who is supposed to be a licensed counselor is unable to understand safety concerns after a client almost gave me a concussion. An angry staff member damaged my personal belongings. It was absolutely clear that this was a threat and this agency did nothing at all about it. I really do not know how this management sleeps at night. If you think you want to work here, trust me – you don’t. For your own safety, physically and mental health do not apply here. Please, navigate your web browser away from this page and apply somewhere else. Don’t put yourself through the trauma and angst that I, and many others, have endured.