Mental Health Awareness

Spotlight with Words Seattle Sheds Light on Mental Health

Seattle Human Resources' "Seattle Sheds Light on Mental Health," is a citywide focus on well-being activities, programs, webinars, and resources to support employees.

With Seattle Sheds Light, we aim to: 

  • Normalize self-care and mental health care 
  • Reduce the stigma of mental illness 
  • Elevate employee and family mental health resources and benefits 
  • Offer education opportunities 
  • Talk about anxiety, trauma, depression, coping, resiliency, and growth

May 2024 - Mental Health Awareness Month

Each year in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, people gather together in a movement to raise awareness about mental health. The goal is to fight stigma, educate the public, provide support, and advocate for policies and resources. Below are some helpful materials from City partners and nonprofit organizations to support employees this year and spread awareness.

Seattle Human Resources has also identified ways you might get involved and observe Mental Health Awareness Month.

Recorded Mental Health Webinars

Check out the City's series of recorded webinars in support of mental well-being on our Vimeo Account. Select from titles in the showcase to watch on demand. Below are the 5 most popular topics, and there are many to choose from!

  • Handling Financial Stress
  • Increasing Mental Toughness
  • Stress Reduction Toolkit
  • LGBTQIA+ and Mental Health - Every Mind Matters
  • Fear and Anxiety: Moving Forward

New Employee Assistance Program - Coming Soon!

Woman on Phone

The City has selected ComPsych as the new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, effective July 1, 2024. We are excited to announce some expanded services and capabilities achieved in partnering with ComPsych.

Noteworthy enhancements include:

  • Expanded eight (8) counseling sessions model
  • Clinical intake model
  • First call connection to a provider
  • Online appointment scheduling
  • Larger, more diverse provider network
  • Unlimited one-on-one coaching 
  • Increased financial well-being support tools
  • Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools

As part of the transition from Resources for Living (RFL) EAP to ComPsych in the coming months, authorizations for counseling services may be impacted. Check here for details. 

Medical Plan Mental Health Resources

Aetna

  • NEW! Introducing Brightline for City of Seattle Aetna plan members starting 5/1/2024. Brightline's mental health experts match children and teens with virtual therapy, psychiatry, and coaching. Get connected to care for kids 18 months up to 18 years old with support for parents and caregivers, too. Visit hellobrightline.com/aetna to get started. Chat with an expert within minutes and schedule a video visit within days. 
  • Behavioral Health Televideo Services - virtual counseling covered as an in-network benefit, subject to copay. It makes finding a provider easier and more convenient. 
  • Aetna Mental Health Awareness Guide for Parents

Kaiser Permanente

Accolade Advocacy Services - Mental Health Support* 

Health Assistants can be a helpful resource in finding in-network mental health care and connect you to an Accolade nurse. Call 1 (866) 540-5418 Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 8:00 pm. Visit member.accolade.com or download the Accolade Mobile app to get connected to a Care Advocate.

    * Available for City employees on the Most benefits program

    Community-Based Resources 

    Flyers and Fact Sheets

    Mental Health Organization Links

      Human Resources

      Kimberly Loving, Director
      Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 5500, Seattle, WA , 98124
      Mailing Address: PO Box 34028, Seattle, WA, 98124-4028
      Phone: (206) 684-7999
      Fax: (206) 684-4157
      SHR_Info@seattle.gov

      The Human Resources Department provides human resource services, tools, and expert assistance to departments, policy makers, employees, and the public so that the City of Seattle's diverse work force is deployed, supported, and managed fairly to accomplish the City's business goals.