Filing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Claims in Washington State

What is the FMLA?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows certain employees of qualifying employers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month period. It applies when a serious medical condition, including a mental health condition, prevents an employee from performing their job duties. The U.S. Department of Labor offers more information about the FMLA.

Seeking FMLA Leave in Washington State

I assist clients seeking FMLA leave from work. If you would like to work with me, the first step is to ask your employer (either your boss or HR) if they will accept FMLA paperwork signed by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA). Many employers in Washington state do accept my paperwork, but you need to confirm before we get started.

Exploring Eligibility

The FMLA may allow you to take a temporary, unpaid leave from work to pursue treatment for a mental health condition that is affecting your job. For example, you may be experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence, burnout, overwhelm, procrastination, lack of focus, ruminations, rage, and/or suicidality. If these symptoms are severe enough to impact your work, you may be eligible for FMLA leave.

Preparing Documentation

If I screen you and find that you are eligible, I can help you prepare the documentation to submit your FMLA request to your employer. This will include completing their required FMLA paperwork along with my own report detailing the basis for your eligibility and outlining the results of your mental health screenings and assessments.

Cost of FMLA Assessment and Paperwork

I bill for the assessment and paperwork separately. I do not charge for the paperwork until the assessment is complete and I confirm that you are eligible to apply for FMLA leave.

The assessment includes a two-hour initial interview to go over the details of your situation, a series of psychological screenings that you complete on your own, and one additional 50-minute session to review and finalize everything. The cost of the assessment process is $850.

If you are eligible for FMLA leave, I will prepare the paperwork for you. This includes completing your employer’s forms and preparing my written report. The cost of finalizing and submitting your FMLA paperwork to your employer is $450.

Ongoing Treatment

I will work with you throughout your FMLA period to treat the mental health concerns that led you to seek FMLA in the first place. I regularly work with high achievers navigating mental health challenges arising from workplace stress. My therapy tools allow you to process and heal from past incidents that continue to cause distress while also developing better ways to cope with difficult emotions emerging in high-pressure environments. Therapy sessions to address FMLA concerns are billed at my standard rate for individuals.