Mental health disorders impact people in various ways. For some, treatment is critical, creating a foundation for recovery and healing. Yet, stepping away from the busy lifestyle you live for inpatient treatment can seem limiting or even impossible.
For some, the Family Medical Leave Act can offer support. Understanding your rights under this act, including when it applies to you, is critical if you or a close family member is facing a crisis. In those situations, Willow Creek Behavioral Health is here to help. We offer inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment in Green Bay that can give you hope.
What Is the Family Medical Leave Act?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a law enacted in 1993 that provides eligible employees with the ability to take time off from work duties to care for a serious medical condition or to care for a family member with a serious medical condition. It also addresses mental health conditions.
- There are numerous rules that must be met for employees to qualify for FMLA:
- The employee must have worked for a covered employer for at least 12 months.
- They may have contributed at least 1250 hours of service during the previous 12 months.
- They work in a business that has at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius.
If you believe you are eligible for FMLA, it is also essential to understand what it provides to you (and what it does not).
What Does FMLA Offer for Mental Health Conditions?
Qualified people can receive treatment for mental health needs through an FMLA absence from work. That means that you qualify for:
- Up to 12 weeks of leave every year
- Continuation of your group health care benefits during that timeframe (your health insurance cannot be canceled)
- The ability to return to the same or virtually the same position when you are ready to return after the leave period (within those 12 weeks).
It is not a legal requirement for employers to pay for FMLA time off. Many employers choose to do so. To find out what is applicable in your case, you’ll need to speak to your human resources team.
When Does FMLA Apply for Mental Health Conditions?
You can apply for FMLA leave for your own serious mental health need, or to care for a spouse, child, or parent who is facing a mental health crisis. To qualify under the law, the condition must necessitate inpatient care or ongoing treatment by a healthcare provider. This could include chronic conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and dissociative disorders, if a crisis situation occurs.
It’s essential to note that this does not mean your employer must grant you time off every time you experience stress. Rather, you must be under the care of a licensed medical professional for care.
How Do You Get FMLA for Mental Health?
If you suffer from any of the following conditions and are facing the need for inpatient treatment (or your close family member is), let the team at Willow Creek help you get started in receiving the care you need.
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Suicidal thoughts
- Serious anxiety disorders
You can reach out to us for immediate help at any time. Do not wait to get approval to get help for a mental health crisis.
The U.S. Department of Labor requires that individuals notify their employer of a qualifying situation. Your human resources department will then assist you in completing the necessary paperwork. This typically means you will need to provide some information about what is occurring. Please keep in mind that your privacy remains paramount.
Your employer may request proof of a mental health disorder or to better understand your needs. This is called medical certification. It will need to include:
- The date the condition started or made you unable to work
- The expected length of the condition
- Facts about the condition, such as symptoms or hospitalization requirements
- Whether the request is for continuous or intermittent leave
Your mental health counselor will help you to answer these questions and to create a comprehensive application. Note that your employer is not able to tell others, even your immediate manager, what your specific condition is.
Seek Out Help from Our Team When Your Health Is on the Line
We encourage you to turn to Willow Creek Behavioral Health now for help with your mental health needs, even before you consider taking time off. Avoid putting yourself in a situation that could deteriorate quickly. Instead, contact us, let us help you navigate the situation, and protect your mental health long term.
