A Look at Addiction and Mental Health Issues for Union Members in The Keystone State

One in five adults in the U.S. struggles with a mental health disorder and union members in Pennsylvania are not immune to these statistics. Unfortunately, the majority of adults with mental health disorders, including substance abuse, fail to get the necessary treatment. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more U.S. adults have reported a negative impact on their mental health. Stigmas surrounding mental health and substance use disorders and treatment have continued and individuals struggle with reaching out for help. Union members can get confidential advice and support for mental health issues through Pennsylvania employee assistance services available via their work or labor unions.

Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, can lead to substance abuse or addiction, and vice versa. Often, individuals self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to deal with mental health symptoms, which can lead to the development of an addiction. However, engaging in substance abuse will only worsen mental health issues, leading individuals to seek out more drugs and alcohol, and creating a vicious cycle. The presence of mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously is known as co-occurring disorders and requires comprehensive treatment programs that include dual diagnosis treatment to overcome. Pennsylvania employee assistance services can provide union members with treatment placement and telehealth services quickly to get the help they need.

Pennsylvania Employee Assistance Services and What They Can Do for Union Members

Pennsylvania employee assistance services may be available to union members through their labor union. These services focus on helping Pennsylvania union members with their health and mental well-being.  Through a 24/7 helpline – 1-855-215-2023 –  union members can talk to expert team members who can assess the situation, offer personalized solutions and resources, and speed up the admissions process.

The first step is a thorough evaluation of your medical history, current issue, and treatment provider preferences. A team member will go through their analyses of your problem and what treatment options are available. Together, you will decide what kind of program or provider is best suited for you and they can provide you with trusted, effective behavioral health treatment programs in your area. Pennsylvania employee assistance services will also help you with the admissions process to get you started in treatment more quickly. Services are also available throughout the recovery journey to help you with additional services or treatment options.

Pennsylvania employee assistance services can also offer telehealth services which are board-certified counselors who provide treatment remotely. These services can get you treatment within 24 to 48 hours, instead of waiting weeks for an in-person appointment. Counselors can offer you coping skills and stress management tools to deal with mental health or substance use disorders.

Union members can also access job protection services through Pennsylvania employee assistance services. Part of effective mental health or addiction treatment is taking time off from work to receive treatment. Pennsylvania employee assistance services can provide you with advice about your rights under federal and state laws which prevent discrimination or losing your job based on mental health or substance use disorders. They can help protect your job when you take time off for treatment.

Are Pennsylvania Employee Assistance Services Covered for Union Members?

pennsylvania employee assistance services for union members

Pennsylvania employee assistance services may be covered by your labor union dues. Labor unions can provide members with several benefits, including confidential mental health and substance abuse resources like employee assistance services. Members can call 24/7 helping for treatment placement, job protection, and telehealth services at no additional cost. Pennsylvania employee assistance services can also verify your insurance plan to match you with treatment providers and programs that are covered by your insurance.

5 Reasons to Take Advantage of Pennsylvania Employee Assistance Services for Union Members

  1. All Contact is Confidential. Unless mandated by law, conversations and contact with Pennsylvania employee assistance services are strictly confidential and your information will never be shared with anyone, including your employer. You can freely talk to experts who care about getting the right treatment.
  2. Get Expert Advice Help Identifying Behavioral Health Issues. Mental health and substance abuse issues are complicated, and many do not know what is even happening to them, much less where to reach out for help. When you call Pennsylvania employee assistance services, experts can assess your case through an initial evaluation and help you figure out what kind of treatment or resources you need.
  3. They Can Assist You with a Wide Range of Concerns. Employee assistance services in Pennsylvania can help with all types of mental health and substance use disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief, emotional distress, loss and grief, life changes, and abuse of illicit drugs, prescription medications, or alcohol.
  4. Quickly Receive Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Placement. Instead of searching the internet for healthcare providers or programs, Pennsylvania employee assistance services can match you with treatment programs in your area that fit your needs and are covered by your union insurance. You can also access telehealth services for support during times of crisis.
  5. This is the First Step in Creating a Balanced, Rewarding, and Peaceful Life. Addiction, substance abuse, and mental health disorders affect several areas of a person’s life, including their physical well-being. Using Pennsylvania employee assistance services for behavioral health treatment can help you gain a handle on these issues which helps to create overall better life satisfaction and happiness.

How to Make the Most Out of Pennsylvania Employee Assistance Services

Pennsylvania employee assistance services are available 24/7 for any behavioral health issue, no matter the severity. You do not need to wait until there is a crisis to use the services. As there is no extra cost to you, employee assistance services can help you with the first signs of stress or any issues. They can connect you with behavioral health counselors who can help you learn better coping skills, create healthy routines and even nutritional and physical exercise advice to improve your mental and physical health.  

Pennsylvania labor unions can also schedule on-site training modules. Team members can conduct in-person training sessions for union leaders and their members on mental health and substance abuse disorders. Training sessions can include a slide show, take-home resources, and a Q&A session aimed at helping to bring awareness about mental health and how to get help. These sessions can also teach members about the services available to them and how to take advantage of them.

Union First is the Only Call Union Members Need to make for Pennsylvania Employee Assistance Services

If you are struggling with substance abuse or your mental health, Union First is the only call you will need to make to get expert advice, treatment placement, and job protection. Our Pennsylvania employee assistance services will match you with the right treatment programs or telehealth services based on our expert assessment of your case. We will also ensure your job is protected from discrimination or when you need to take time off to get the treatment you need.

Please give us a call today at (855) 215-2023. We are available 24 hours a day to assist you towards a more balanced and joyful life.