Pros
One of the few positives was my coworkers. Many of them were kind, dedicated, and doing their best in a difficult environment. It’s unfortunate that so many talented individuals remain in roles where they feel similarly unhappy or are actively looking for a way out.
Cons
My experience at Charlie Health was, unfortunately, one of the most frustrating and disheartening roles I’ve held. Leadership was a major concern. Individuals without sufficient clinical experience were put in positions overseeing clinicians, which often felt like a “blind leading the blind” situation. This created confusion, inconsistency in decision-making, and a lack of meaningful guidance for staff who genuinely wanted to provide quality care. The work environment itself was highly siloed. Opportunities to collaborate or meaningfully connect with coworkers across teams were limited, which made it difficult to build a sense of community or shared purpose. This isolation only added to the overall strain of the role. Management was another significant challenge. My direct manager frequently demonstrated a lack of competence, and when concerns were raised, upper leadership dismissed them with a “that’s just how it is” attitude. There was little accountability or support, which made it difficult to trust the leadership structure or feel heard. Work-life balance was virtually nonexistent. Despite relatively low pay, there was an expectation to be available at all hours. I regularly received messages late at night, sometimes as late as 9 or 10 PM, asking for help with urgent issues (clients arguing with each other). If you are someone who struggles to set firm boundaries, this environment can quickly become overwhelming, as those boundaries are not respected. One of the most discouraging aspects of my experience was the lack of recognition. My manager consistently took credit for my work, which limited my professional growth and visibility within the organization. It was incredibly frustrating to put in significant effort without acknowledgment or opportunities for advancement. From a broader perspective, the company’s leadership felt disconnected. The founding story and narrative have shifted over time in ways that raise questions about transparency and priorities. There was a strong sense that business growth and financial outcomes were prioritized over employee well-being and sustainable practices. Personally, the workload and environment took a serious toll on my mental health. I felt overworked, overlooked, and unsupported for much of my time there. During my 3+ years there, I watched a constant cycle of turnover, employees coming and going frequently. I also saw senior leaders removed abruptly after advocating for facilitators, individuals being terminated immediately after giving notice, and even situations where someone labeled a “high performer” in a review was let go shortly after, with coworkers tasked with returning their belongings to them. Overall, I would urge anyone considering a role here to carefully evaluate whether the expectations, culture, and leadership structure align with what they’re looking for in a workplace.
