Thank you for considering Seattle Counseling & Wellness (SCAW) for your FMLA/leave support. We understand that requesting leave for mental health reasons raises many questions. Below is a guide to how our process works, so you know what to expect.

FAQ:

Why do I have to meet for multiple sessions before paperwork?

To ensure accurate, ethical documentation, we conduct a brief assessment phase (3-4 sessions) to understand the impact of your condition on your work functioning, develop coping/leave planning, and determine whether ongoing therapy is needed.

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How quickly can I start?
We aim to schedule your first session within one week of your request, using a flex/cancellation slot to expedite.

• What happens during those sessions?

  • Session 1: Intake & assessment (symptoms, work impact, history)

  • Sessions 2-3: Explore how symptoms affect work, develop self-care, and develop a transition plan

  • Session 4: Review and determine next steps: paperwork completion, ongoing therapy, or referral.

 

Who fills out the forms and when?

After the assessment phase, if clinically justified, your therapist will complete the required FMLA/leave documentation indicating your condition, functional work limitations, recommended duration of leave, and treatment plan.

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What if I want ongoing weekly therapy?
If ongoing therapy is indicated (for return to work support, stabilization, ongoing symptoms), we’ll schedule a regular weekly spot beyond the paperwork phase. This may be with the therapist completing the paperwork, or if requested, we can match you with someone who best meets your clinical needs.

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What if therapy isn’t needed?
If your leave is planned and short-term and therapy beyond the paperwork phase isn’t clinically necessary, we will complete the paperwork and then support you by referral or brief closure planning.

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What kinds of diagnoses and limitations are documented?
We document clinically validated diagnoses (e.g., major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder) and link them to specific work-related functional impairments (e.g., inability to concentrate for prolonged time, frequent absence, impaired memory, difficulty interacting under pressure).

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Cost and insurance:
You’ll be responsible for the standard session fee (or insurance co-pay) for the assessment phase and, if applicable, the ongoing therapy phase. Please check with your insurance about coverage of leave-related consultations. These will include codes 90791 and 90837.

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Confidentiality:
Your therapy and documentation are subject to standard privacy protections (e.g., HIPAA). If we submit paperwork to your employer, only the required functional information is shared, not full therapy notes.

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How to get started:
Contact our scheduling team and mention “FMLA/leave consultation.” We’ll guide you to the next available flex slot.

We’re here to support you through this process. If you have questions about the evaluation for leave, therapy transition, or documentation, feel free to reach out!