38 JULY AUGUST 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA can help employees navigate where to find assistance for mental health or other support. See AFSA’s Labor Management guidance page at https://afsa.org/guidance. If you are overseas, EEO counselors and human resource officers (HROs) at post can be the right place to go for discussing workplace issues and mental health resources. The State Department Bureau of Medical Services (MED)/Employee Consultation Services (ECS) offers a wide range of employee mental health programs including free shortterm counseling by a licensed clinical provider, alcohol and drug use programs, and counseling and referral programs for deployment-related psychological issues. Website: https://bit.ly/MED-ECS Email: MEDECS@state.gov Phone: (202) 634-4874 The Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO) is especially concerned with Foreign Service family member issues. GCLO lists numerous resources on their webpage, including support groups for adults with ADHD and groups for those struggling with grief, anxiety, elder care issues, and more. They also list resources specific to FS children. Website (for crisis management): https://bit.ly/ GCLO-CM USAID Staff Care assists USAID employees and family members with wellness issues, providing access to counseling, support groups, and assistance with work-life balance issues. Website: https://usaid.gov/staff-care Email: support@usaidstaffcarecenter.net Phone: (919) 645-4960 The FCS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) utilizes the Federal Occupational Health (FOH) program offering 24/7 access to support stress management, work-related issues, and work-life balance. Website: https://commerce.gov/hr/employees/ work-life-balance/eap Phone: (800) 222-0364 FAS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services include confidential counseling, elder/ Where to Turn WHEN YOU NEED ASSISTANCE FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT child care referral services, critical incident stress debriefings, grief support, workplace issue consultations, and more. Archived webinars, news articles, and video clips are available through the federal program FOH4You (www. foh4you.com). For 24-hour access to a certified counselor, call (800) 222-0364 (toll free) or (866) 8290270 (if overseas). OPM Employee Wellness Programs provide comprehensive information and data on wellness resources for federal employees. A new OPM program, “Safe Leave,” provides options and flexibilities for a variety of issues related to mental health care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Federal Occupational Health’s FOH4YOU provides resources for addressing personal and work-related mental health issues, overall well-being, and more. Website: https://foh4you.com/ FSI’s Center of Excellence in Foreign Affairs Resilience (CEFAR) is part of the Transition Center and offers courses, workshops, and webinars on managing stress and burnout. Website: https://state.gov/resilience-cefar/ Email: FSITCResilience@state.gov The State Department Office of the Ombuds (S/O) Workplace Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center (wCPRc) provides confidential services for informal and voluntary resolution of conflict in the workplace, including bullying. Confidential email: ombuds@state.gov The State Office of Civil Rights (OCR) oversees the State Department’s Anti-Harassment and Equal Employment Opportunity programs and manages reports of discrimination and harassment. Website: https://state.gov/bureaus-offices/ secretary-of-state/office-of-civil-rights/ Email: SOCR_Direct@state.gov Phone: (202) 647-9295 or (202) 647-9294 The State DS Victims’ Resource Advocacy Program (DS/ICI/VRAP) provides assistance to sexual assault victims that includes counseling referrals, financial reimbursement for lost property, relocation support, understanding of the judicial process, and accompaniment to judicial proceedings. Website: https://state.gov/the-dss-victimsresource-advocacy-program-empoweringvictims-providing-worldwide-support/ Email: vrap@state.gov Phone: (855) 810-7878 U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) can be reached for discussion of “prohibited personnel practices.” Email: info@osc.gov The Office of Inspector General (OIG)/USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts independent audits, inspections, evaluations, and investigations to promote efficiency and prevent and detect waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in the programs and operations of the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for Global Media. The Office of Inspector General at USAID serves a similar function. Website: https://stateoig.gov/; https://oig.usaid.gov The Bureau of Global Talent Management Grievance Office (GTM/G) investigates grievances and prepares recommendations for the resolution of grievances and represents the State Department in cases appealed to the Foreign Service Grievance Board. GTM/G also oversees remedial action, as necessary, in resolving grievances. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline is a free, confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Website: https://samhsa.gov/find-help/ national-helpline Phone: (800) 662-HELP (4357) The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a roundthe-clock, free, confidential support for people in distress, along with prevention and crisis resources. Website: https://988lifeline.org Phone: (800) 273-8255 n
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