We continue to hear the sobering statistics surrounding physician mental health, and we know your job isn’t getting any easier. Emergency physicians work compassionately with patients and their families during their worst moments, but the emotional and physical burdens eventually take their toll. While there’s no easy fix, ACEP is dedicated to developing resources and providing support that can help you weather the storm.

During ACEP19 in Denver, we rolled out the ACEP Wellness & Assistance Program, which offers ACEP members exclusive access to three free counseling or wellness sessions in partnership with Mines & Associates. Sessions are available 24-7 by phone, text, or online messaging, or you can schedule a face-to-face appointment near your office, home, or school.

What’s the difference between a counseling session and a wellness session? Counseling sessions can cover everyday issues including stress, anxiety, depression, family issues, drug and alcohol abuse, relationships, death and grief, and more. When you call in for a referral, the clinical staff will assess your situation, discuss plans for resolving your issues, advise you of available resources, and refer you to a local counselor.

Wellness sessions are 30-minute phone calls to help you reach your personal wellness goals. National Board of Medical Examiners–certified wellness coaches can help you set specific wellness goals and plan for progress checks along the way to help you reach your objectives. Areas of focus can include weight control, nutrition, healthy habits, stress, caffeine reduction, injury recovery, relationships, sleep, smoking cessation, and more.

Participation in this new program is strictly confidential and free with your ACEP membership. For an additional $15 per year, ACEP members can also access additional benefits, including legal and financial support services and access to the Mines & Associates’ Personal Advantage Online Resource Library, which has thousands of helpful resources related to finances, personal development, child care and elder care, mental health, and more. Legal and financial support services include unlimited 30-minute in-person or phone consultations per legal or financial issue, plus a 25 percent discount on select legal and financial services with the Mines professional network.

Learn more about this new program at www.acep.org/support. 

Ms. Grantham is ACEP communications manager.

Here to Help

The ACEP Wellness & Assistance Program is our newest program available to support physician mental health, but many other resources are available.

State Support
ACEP’s state and chapter services department provided all chapters with a template letter to send to state medical boards urging them to utilize the Federation of State Medical Boards’ language related to what mental health treatment needs to be disclosed on licensing applications. Chapters also received specific talking points to support their advocacy efforts in this area, along with a templated letter for hospital administrators regarding questions on credentialing applications.