Help is Available for Union Members
Like many other workers in the U.S., union members can struggle with mental health issues due to stress and pressures of work and everyday life. They continue to silently battle symptoms out of fear of societal stigmas related to mental health treatment and subsequently losing their jobs. However, many members are unaware of several laws that offer job protection for union mental health services. These laws protect against discrimination in the workplace which may affect job status, possible promotions, and taking adequate time off for behavioral health treatment.
Labor unions advocate for their member’s mental health not only through more complete healthcare plans, but also by fighting for higher wages, workplace safety, and more time off which can help reduce the risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, some labor unions contract employee assistance services, such as Union First, which can offer members expert mental health advice, resources, and referrals. Members can contact Union First 24/7 when faced with a problem to quickly get solutions and union job protection mental health.
Common Mental Health Struggles
There is a wide range of mental health disorders and illnesses which can impact a person’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and perceptions. Mental health disorders can affect various aspects of a person’s life including their job, relationships, and the demands of everyday life. Some of the most common mental health struggles includes:
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar affective disorder
- Depression
- Panis disorders
- Dissociative disorders
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
7 Mental Health Treatment Options
There are several options for mental health treatments, and you do not necessarily need to pick only one. Comprehensive treatment plans that use various treatment methods may offer the best outcomes and can include the following options:
- Psychotherapy or individual therapy. Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy involves talking about your condition and related issues with a mental health provider. During therapy, you will learn about your condition, feelings, thoughts and behaviors while also learning stress management and coping skills. Several types of psychotherapy exist including cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoanalysis.
- Group counseling and support groups. Support groups can help gain further insight into your condition. It can also provide support, resources, friendships, and tips on how to live with your condition. Participants can also reduce loneliness and feeling isolated from others who do not share similar struggles.
- Medications. Prescription medications for mental health disorders can make changes to chemicals in the brain involved in emotions and thought patterns. Medications do not cure mental health disorders but they can improve symptoms, especially while you learn and implement techniques from behavioral health therapy.
- Brain-stimulation treatments. These procedures are usually reserved for disorders which have not responded to medication or psychotherapy. They include electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and nerve stimulation. These therapies use electric currents into the brain which can improve and even reverse troubling symptoms.
- Hospital and residential treatment programs. Mental health disorders can be severe enough to need treatment in a hospital or long-term program. Residential treatment programs are necessary when you are in danger of harming yourself or others. Options can include 24 hour inpatient care, partial or day hospitalization, or residential treatment. There are also intensive outpatient treatment programs which allow you to live at home.
- Substance abuse treatment. Mental health and substance abuse disorder often appear together. It is critical to treat co-occurring disorder simultaneously through comprehensive treatment programs which integrate mental health and substance abuse treatment.
- Holistic and complementary therapies. There are several alternative medicine and holistic therapy options which can be used alongside conventional treatment methods and greatly complement these therapies. Holistic therapies that help with mental health disorders including acupuncture, yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, nutrition, and exercise.
Does Insurance Cover Mental Health Therapy and Treatment?
Being a part of a labor provides many benefits, including more complete health insurance policies in comparison to non-unionized employees. Thanks to the federal parity law, insurance companies are required to cover mental and behavioral health treatment, including substance abuse treatment. Some mental health services covered by insurance include psychiatric emergency services, dual diagnosis treatment, individual therapy, telehealth therapy, inpatient behavioral health services, psychiatric medications, addiction treatment, medical detox services, and outpatient sessions with a psychiatrist or psychologist.
However, how much is covered depends on your plan. There are also several out of pocket costs to consider such as meeting deductibles and copays. You can find out if your insurance covers therapy by logging online and checking your specific insurance plan, calling your insurance provider, checking with your employer’s HR department, or asking a therapist if they take your insurance. Another option is to go through your union’s employee assistance services. They can verify your insurance and go through your benefits with you. Union First’s employee assistance services can also offer personalized referrals based on your individual needs and your union health insurance plan. Additionally, we can begin union job protection mental health services to ensure your job and more are protected when you seek out treatment.
Union Member Job Protection: Mental Health Help
Labor unions help protect employees from unjust dismissal through collective bargaining agreements (CBA), which prevent employees from being fired without “just cause”. There are also several state and labor laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which help protect employees from being fired because of a mental health diagnosis. However, there are several loopholes employers may use to get around these laws and it is important to employ proactive measures when using these laws.
Employee assistance services at Union First can help union members navigate and use labor laws effectively to ensure their job, benefits, salary, position, and future promotions are protected when seeking mental health treatment. Our job protection and treatment placement services are covered by your union dues. Case managers will assess your issue to provide expert referrals and treatment placement to begin job protection. They can walk you through necessary steps and paperwork to fill out before taking time off or asking for accommodations for your employer to safeguard your job and stay the same.
Union First Can Help with Union Job Protection During Mental Health Treatment
Union First offers various services to union members and their families geared towards getting them effective mental health treatment. We ensure union job protection during mental health treatment so members never hesitate to get the treatment they need. Our experts are ready 24/7 to find you effective solutions for your behavioral health needs and protect your job.
Union First will conduct an initial assessment of your medical history, current issue, and personal provider needs, including fitting your budget, to find you personalized referrals in your area. Treatment placement is the first step in our job protection process as it allows us to submit a “placement in treatment” letter to your employer. We will work tirelessly to advocate for your mental health and employment.
If you or your family members are struggling with your mental health, you do not have to go through this difficulty on your own. Please call us today at 855-215-2023 or chat with us online at www.unionfirst.net to talk to a team member about your personal case. Your call is always 100% confidential.