Mental Health Awareness
The City's Mental Health awareness efforts aim to:
- Normalize self-care and mental health care
- Reduce the stigma of mental illness
- Elevate employee and family mental health resources and benefits
- Offer education opportunities
- Talk about anxiety, trauma, depression, coping, resiliency, and growth
NEW Employee Assistance Program
Starting July 1, 2024, the City of Seattle has partnered with a new Employee Assistance Program services provider, ComPsych.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports all City of Seattle employees in dealing with personal issues and mental health concerns, at no cost. Confidential and professional help is available 24/7 online at www.guidanceresources.com using registration web id: SeattleEAP and by phone at 1 (800) 858-6715; TRS: Dial 711.
Counseling help
Counselors may be reached through ComPsych 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year It's free for employees and their household members, for up to eight in-person counseling visits per issue, per year. EAP counseling provides someone to talk to when personal setbacks, emotional conflicts or life’s challenges affect well-being. Common concerns addressed in counseling include;
- Stress, anxiety and depression
- Marital, family, or relationship conflicts
- Alcohol or drug use
- Adjusting to change
- Grief and loss
Well-being Coaching
If counseling isn’t the right fit, ComPsych’s certified personal coaches are available. They work one-on-one with you to reduce roadblocks and risks holistically. Coaching is available over the phone or by video and covers a variety of issues including;
- Burnout, time management, and balancing competing needs
- Coping with stress and building resiliency
- Improving slee
- Developing self-compassion and finding motivation
- Goal setting
Call 1 (800) 858-6715; TRS: Dial 711 anytime to request an appointment with a personal coach to get the support you need. There is no session limit and no cost.
Seattle Human Resources' "Seattle Sheds Light on Mental Health," is a citywide focus on well-being activities, programs, webinars, and resources to support employees.
July - Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July is designated as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell’s trailblazing work to uplift underrepresented communities. Culture, ethnicity, and race all play a role in the way that each person experiences the world and have profound effects on mental health for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). The NAMI and Mental Health America resources below provide actions we can take to raise awareness and destigmatize mental health in communities of color.
- Bust Myths about BIPOC Mental Health
- Learn More About Sharing Generational Wisdom
- Take a free online screening – to check in on your own mental health
- Add visibility with social media - empower others using sharable graphics.#ShadesofMentalHealth Social Campaign
- Talk to Your Loved Ones
- Tune In to the “Hope Starts with us” podcast to explore Bebe Moore Campbell’s legacy in Episode 25 or Stigma and Mental Health Equity in Episode 27
- Find an anti-racist therapist
Other Resources
Learn to be the friend who listens https://seizetheawkward.org/
10 Best Mental Health Tips Guide
How-to Guide to Anxiety and Fear
How to Manage and Reduce Stress
Recorded Mental Health Webinars
Check out the City's series of recorded webinars in support of mental well-being on our Vimeo Account. Select from titles in the showcase to watch on demand. Below are the 5 most popular topics, and there are many to choose from!
- Handling Financial Stress
- Increasing Mental Toughness
- Stress Reduction Toolkit
- LGBTQIA+ and Mental Health - Every Mind Matters
- Fear and Anxiety: Moving Forward
Medical Plan Mental Health Resources
Aetna
- NEW! Introducing Brightline for City of Seattle Aetna plan members starting 5/1/2024. Brightline's mental health experts match children and teens with virtual therapy, psychiatry, and coaching. Get connected to care for kids 18 months up to 18 years old with support for parents and caregivers, too. Visit hellobrightline.com/aetna to get started. Chat with an expert within minutes and schedule a video visit within days.
- Behavioral Health Televideo Services - virtual counseling covered as an in-network benefit, subject to copay. It makes finding a provider easier and more convenient.
- Aetna Mental Health Awareness Guide for Parents
Kaiser Permanente
Accolade Advocacy Services - Mental Health Support*
Health Assistants can be a helpful resource in finding in-network mental health care and connect you to an Accolade nurse. Call 1 (866) 540-5418 Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 8:00 pm. Visit member.accolade.com or download the Accolade Mobile app to get connected to a Care Advocate.
- Member Experience Story - Alcohol Abuse
- Member Experience Story - Couples Counseling
- Member Experience Story - Depression and Anxiety
* Available for City employees on the Most benefits program
Community-Based Resources
Flyers and Fact Sheets
- Work and Your Mental Health National Alliance on Mental Health
- Dealing With Anger and Frustration Mental Health America
- Getting out of Thinking Traps Mental Health America
- Processing Big Changes Mental Health America
- My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? National Institute of Mental Health
Mental Health Organization Links
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- American Psychological Association
- Mental Health American
- National Alliance on Mental Health
- Mental Health Resources for LGBTQIA+
- Clinicians of Color - to find a clinician near you
- Asian Mental Health Collective
- BEAM - Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
- Washington Treatment Centers or Rehabilitation for Substance Use Disorders
- Mental Health Coalition (Resources for BIPOC)
- ASHA International
- King County Community Support and Well-being