A study explored how coping styles affect the link between mental health providers’ sense of control and their professional well-being. Among 172 clinicians, avoidant coping – like ignoring stress – emerged as a major threat to quality of life. Surprisingly, private practice providers, despite more freedom, reported more avoidance, lower control and poorer outcomes than those in community settings. With up to 85% facing compassion fatigue, the findings underscore the urgent need to reduce harmful coping and strengthen personal control to protect provider health, satisfaction and long-term effectiveness.