Wellbeing and Support
What’s available to you in the USDA Forest Service for wellbeing and support?
Employee wellbeing is a critical element in the work environment and a guiding factor in the Forest Service’s mission, purpose, and values. Employees have access to a wide array of tools and resources through employee assistance and development programs.
If there is a crisis or mental health care emergency, call 911 or contact the National Crisis Hotline at 988. EAPs do not cover long term mental health care needs or social service support needs, but they are a good place for learning about what is available and for help finding what you need. Health care systems are complex, and the EAP can help you become a better consumer as you pursue the right care.
There are an array of tools and resources that support overall wellbeing, comprehensive health, wellness, and resilience. With the variety of options available – one-on-one, group, in-person, or virtual – employees can choose the benefits that are most valuable for their personal situation.
More information is available at the Employee Support and Wellbeing Hub [Internal Link]
For further guidance or concierge service email SM.FS.employeesupp@usda.gov, we are happy to help!
We offer various programs focused on these areas:
Wellbeing and resilience resources
Counseling
Personal development
Professional development
Legal assistance
Financial planning
Health resources
Nutrition
Exercise
Sleep
Wellness atlas
Unit based peer support
Stress first aid
Resources for leaders and supervisors
Management consultations
Education and guidance towards building health and mental health literacy
Plug and play tools
Critical incident follow up and support
Acentra, LLC is our current vendor for some Employee Assistance Program services. Employees can directly access specific types of helpful behavioral health support or financial and legal services through our vendor partner. Acentra offers a 24/7 toll-free line, and all calls will be answered by certified clinicians, including clinicians with experience supporting first responders.
There is a specific program called TalkNow, which can connect you with a licensed counselor right away. Ask for it by name. This is a great place for healthy venting! It is not a crisis support program. Please see this Acentra information sheet [internal link] and these EAP FAQs [internal link] for more information. You can also connect via Smart Phone App: Acentra Connect (Download to work or personal cell phone).
To Contact Acentra, LLC
Phone # 1-833-621-2989
https://ForestServiceEAP.com Password: USFS
If you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need. You can also call the Lifeline at any time to speak to someone and get support. For confidential support available 24/7 for everyone in the United States, call 988.
988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:
Thoughts of suicide
Mental health or substance use crisis, or
Any other kind of emotion distress
Dialing 988 operates through what was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Please note the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.
The Forest Service Casualty Assistance Program (CAP) takes a coordinated approach to assist employees, their families, and the larger interagency community following a casualty (while people usually associate the term “casualty” with death, casualty support also refers to support the Forest Service provides after a serious or traumatic injury or illness). CAP provides support for both work and non-work related (off-duty) fatalities, injuries, and illnesses.
The program educates employees and agency leaders on what support, benefits, and resources are available to employees and their families following a casualty; ensures managers understand agency procedures and legal authorities; trains official agency liaisons to engage with family members and hospital staffs; and provides critical incident peer support to those impacted by the casualty.
Visit the CAP website for more information.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Peer Support is available in all regions and provides education, support, and assistance to employees for incidental or cumulative critical incident stress experienced in the performance of their jobs and/or in the event of other emergencies, natural disasters, or other traumatic events. Interventions provided by Critical Incident Peer Support Groups (CIPS)and Mental Health Providers (MHP) follow the protocols of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). The national CISM framework under the Casualty Assistance Program promotes a consistent response across the Forest Service and in cooperation with interagency partners.
Visit the CAP website for more information.
The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program can help you and your family meet your health care needs. As a Federal employee you are eligible to elect FEHB coverage. To learn more about FEHB, visit www.benefits.gov/benefit/4440, and to learn how to enroll, visit: fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/hrm/benefits (internal link).
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. If you or someone you know has a mental health problem, there are ways to get help.
Visit MentalHealth.gov for more information
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has several tools and resources to access local support, as well as national helplines.
Visit samhsa.gov for more information.