Understanding FMLA, Short-Term Disability, and the Type of Leave You May Need

How Visions of Serenity Counseling Supports Mental Health and Workplace Leave

At Visions of Serenity Counseling, we understand how difficult it can be to maintain your responsibilities when your mental health is declining. Conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, and burnout can interfere with your ability to function at work and in daily life. In these moments, knowing your options under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Short-Term Disability (STD) can provide relief, protection, and space to recover.

While both FMLA and Short-Term Disability are designed to support your well-being, they serve different purposes. Understanding how they work and how we can help can make all the difference.

What Is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

FMLA is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month period. This includes time off for serious health conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, and other mental health concerns that interfere with daily functioning.

To qualify for FMLA, you must:

• Work for an eligible employer (typically one with 50 or more employees)

• Have been employed for at least 12 months

• Have worked at least 1,250 hours in the past year

  
  

FMLA protects your job and your health insurance coverage during your leave. However, it does not provide income.

What Is Short-Term Disability (STD)?

Short-Term Disability is an income replacement benefit, often offered through an employer or private insurance policy. It provides partial pay when a medical or mental health condition prevents you from working. Most policies replace 50 to 70 percent of your regular wages.

To be eligible, your condition must:

• Be verified by a licensed provider

• Prevent you from performing your essential job duties

• Require active treatment and follow-up care

  
  

STD approval is not guaranteed. It depends on detailed and medically necessary documentation that clearly outlines how the condition impairs your ability to work. That is where we come in.

It is also essential to understand the specific policies and procedures of your employer or insurance provider. Some companies only accept documentation from certain types of licensed professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, or licensed professional counselors. Before beginning the process, confirm who is authorized to complete the required forms and what documentation is needed to support your claim.

At Visions of Serenity Counseling, we help ensure your documentation meets those criteria, is clinically accurate, and reflects the full extent of your limitations.

How FMLA and Short-Term Disability Work Together

FMLA and Short-Term Disability often overlap. FMLA provides job protection while Short-Term Disability may offer income support. However, these are two separate systems. One is a legal right and the other is a benefit that must meet insurance guidelines for approval.

We provide clinical assessments and documentation that support both processes. Our work focuses on accurately describing how your condition affects your daily functioning, ability to perform essential job duties, and why leave is medically necessary.

We no longer offer therapy services, but we continue to provide:

• Clinical assessments and documentation for FMLA and Short-Term Disability

• Consultation and guidance for documentation errors, appeals, or denials

• Professional training and supervision for therapists on completing workplace leave forms

  
  

Continuous vs. Intermittent FMLA: What Is the Difference?

When preparing for FMLA leave, it is important to understand whether continuous or intermittent leave is most appropriate.

Continuous FMLA

Continuous FMLA is taken for an extended, uninterrupted period of time. This type of leave is recommended when a condition is severe enough to prevent consistent attendance or participation at work.

Examples include:

• Major depressive episodes that impair basic functioning

• Emotional dysregulation or trauma-related symptoms that affect safety and stability

• Medication changes that require time for adjustment and monitoring

  
  

Continuous leave provides protected time to focus on treatment and recovery without the expectation of returning to work during the leave period.

Intermittent FMLA

Intermittent FMLA allows for leave in smaller blocks of time, such as a few hours or days at a time, based on medical need. This type of leave is appropriate when symptoms flare up periodically or when treatment appointments are scheduled during work hours.

Examples include:

• Panic attacks or anxiety episodes that interfere with work attendance

• Weekly therapy or psychiatric visits

• Situational stressors that trigger symptoms requiring brief time away from work

  
  

Documentation must clearly outline the expected frequency and duration of absences. We ensure this information is written in a way that meets clinical and administrative standards.

Supporting Mental Health Professionals

In addition to supporting individuals with documentation, Visions of Serenity Counseling offers training and consultation for licensed mental health providers. Many clinicians feel unprepared to complete FMLA or Short-Term Disability forms. We provide:

• Clinical documentation training focused on medical necessity and functionality

• One-on-one consultations to review notes, forms, and appeals

• Business guidance for therapists launching or growing private practices

• Supervision for provisionally licensed clinicians

  
  

We equip therapists to advocate for their clients while maintaining ethical and professional standards.

Final Thoughts

FMLA and Short-Term Disability are essential tools for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. With the right support, they can offer the time, structure, and protection needed to recover while maintaining professional and financial stability.

At Visions of Serenity Counseling, we are committed to helping clients and clinicians navigate this process with confidence, clarity, and clinical excellence.

If you are in need of documentation, consultation, or training, contact us today to schedule a session.