How to Use Intermittent FMLA for Mental Health Therapy Appointments: Getting the Most Out of FMLA
Taking care of your mental health is as important as caring for your physical health. However, many people are still unsure about how to balance their therapy needs with the demands of their job, particularly when it comes to using FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, or any other mental health condition, you have a legal right to take time off for therapy appointments under certain circumstances. You should always consult with your human resources department about the specifics of your benefits and workplace policies. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to request intermittent FMLA leave for mental health therapy appointments and how to communicate with your employer effectively.
What Is Intermittent FMLA?
Intermittent FMLA allows eligible employees to take leave in small chunks of time rather than all at once. For mental health reasons, this can be especially helpful if you need to attend therapy appointments or take brief periods of leave to manage your condition.
In the United States, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for various health-related reasons, including mental health conditions. The leave can be taken intermittently (in smaller portions of time, such as hours or days) if necessary for treatment or recovery. This flexibility is crucial when managing your therapy appointments without disrupting your work life.
Ohio FMLA Laws: What You Need to Know
While this blog is not a substitute for legal guidance from an attorney, it is useful to be aware that Ohio follows federal FMLA guidelines, which means that you are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for a qualifying medical condition. Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, are covered under the act as long as they meet certain criteria (more on that in a moment). However, it’s essential to understand that FMLA leave is unpaid, so you’ll need to plan financially.
Additionally, the Ohio Family and Medical Leave Act (Ohio FMLA) provides similar protections for employees working for state and local government agencies. For private-sector employees, Ohio’s law aligns with federal guidelines, so understanding the federal rules is key.
How to Request Intermittent FMLA for Therapy Appointments
Requesting intermittent FMLA leave doesn’t have to be stressful if you’re prepared. Follow these steps:
Check Your Eligibility: Before requesting FMLA, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, you must:
Work for a covered employer (50 or more employees within 75 miles).
Have worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months.
Have been employed by your current employer for at least 12 months.
Get Documentation from Your Healthcare Provider: Your mental health provider (therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist) will need to certify that you have a serious health condition that qualifies for FMLA. For therapy appointments, they may provide documentation that outlines the frequency and duration of your sessions.
Tip: Ensure your provider is clear about why your condition requires intermittent leave and how often you need to attend appointments. This will help make your request smoother.Notify Your Employer in Advance: You should inform your employer about your need for intermittent leave as soon as possible. Ideally, this should be done 30 days in advance if you know about upcoming therapy appointments. If not, notify them as soon as you’re able.
Complete Your FMLA Paperwork: Most employers will require you to complete a formal request for FMLA leave. This may involve submitting a form to HR (such as the Department of Labor’s Form WH-380-E), along with your provider’s certification. Be thorough when filling out the form, as any missing information may delay the process.
Keep Records: After your FMLA request is approved, it’s essential to keep records of the days and hours you take off for your therapy appointments. You should also document any correspondence you have with your employer about your leave.
How to Talk to Your Boss About Your Intermittent FMLA and Therapy Appointments
Conversations about mental health can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it’s important to approach the topic with clarity and professionalism. Here’s how you can talk to your boss:
Be Clear About Your Needs: It’s helpful to be clear with your manager about why you need intermittent leave. You don’t need to go into specific details about your mental health condition, but be honest about needing time off for therapy. For example, you could say:
“I’ve been receiving mental health treatment and will need to take intermittent leave to attend regular therapy appointments. I’ll make sure to manage my workload and provide advanced notice whenever possible.”Maintain Professionalism: Remember that mental health is an important part of your overall well-being, but you don’t have to share more than you feel comfortable with. Focus on your need for time off to maintain your mental health and how you plan to manage your workload.
Address Concerns Upfront: If your boss seems concerned about how your leave will impact your work, reassure them by explaining that you’ll keep communication open and ensure that your responsibilities are met. You can also offer to adjust your hours or work remotely when necessary.
Highlight Your Commitment: You may want to reassure your manager that you are still committed to your job and that attending therapy is an important step in managing your health so that you can continue to perform at your best.
“I value my work and am committed to being as effective as possible. Taking time for therapy helps me ensure that I can be present and productive at work.”Request a Written Confirmation: After your conversation, ask for written confirmation of your FMLA approval or any scheduling accommodations. This will help avoid misunderstandings and keep both you and your employer on the same page.
Self-Care is Essential to Professional Success and Sustainability
Using intermittent FMLA for mental health therapy is a legal right, but it’s important to approach the process thoughtfully. By following the proper steps to request leave and maintaining clear, open communication with your employer, you can successfully manage both your mental health and your job responsibilities. Remember, mental health care is essential—and taking the time you need for therapy will ultimately benefit your well-being and work performance in the long run.
If you ever find yourself unsure about the process, consider reaching out to your HR department for assistance. They are there to help navigate the process and ensure that you are supported in taking care of your mental health.