FMLA for Rehab - Buckhead Behavioral Health

Using FMLA for Rehab: Your Job is Protected

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, taking time off work for rehab might feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects your job when you take leave for serious health conditions, including addiction treatment.

At Buckhead Behavioral Health in Atlanta, Georgia, we offer fully accredited care for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Let’s explore how FMLA can help you prioritize recovery without worrying about losing your job.

What is the FMLA?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law ensuring job protection and continued health coverage when you need leave for specific family or medical reasons.

Here’s what FMLA covers:

12 Weeks of Leave: For childbirth, adoption, caring for a seriously ill family member, or your own serious health issues.
26 Weeks of Leave: For military caregiver leave.

While your job and health benefits are protected, note that FMLA is unpaid, and your employer may assign you a similar position upon your return instead of your original role.

Can I Use FMLA for Rehab?

Yes, FMLA covers leave for drug or alcohol rehab as it qualifies as a serious health condition. Whether you need rehab yourself or must care for a family member undergoing treatment, FMLA ensures you can take the time needed to focus on recovery.

This also applies to co-occurring mental health conditions, which are often linked to substance use disorders.

Eligibility for FMLA

To qualify for FMLA, you must meet these criteria:

Employment: You’ve worked for your employer full-time for at least 12 months.
Company Size: Your employer has at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius.
Notice: You must notify your employer or HR department about your leave.
Medical Proof: A healthcare provider must document your condition or your family member’s needs.

Check with your HR department for additional guidance.

Can I Be Fired for Using FMLA?

FMLA protects you from termination for taking leave within its limits. However, you can still be terminated for unrelated reasons, such as poor performance before your leave or exceeding the 12-week allowance.

Rehab Options Covered Under FMLA

FMLA allows you to access qualified rehab programs, such as:

Inpatient Detox: Start your recovery in a safe, supervised environment.
Residential Treatment: Live-in care for focused, immersive treatment.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Intensive daytime treatment without overnight stays.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Flexible schedules for ongoing care after returning to work.

Ensure the facility you choose is licensed and accredited for evidence-based treatment.

Services at Buckhead Behavioral Health

At Buckhead Behavioral Health, we offer comprehensive addiction and mental health care, including:

Individual and Group Therapy: Heal in one-on-one and supportive group settings.
Psychiatry: Manage mental health with expert psychiatric care and medication.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Treat opioid and alcohol use disorders with FDA-approved medications.
Trauma Therapy: Address the root causes of addiction, like PTSD.
Family Therapy: Help families rebuild and heal together.
Brainspotting: Innovative therapy for trauma and emotional regulation.

We also provide holistic care, including red light therapy, nutritional counseling, and mindfulness practices, to support physical and emotional wellness.

Want to Learn more about Buckhead Behavioral Health?

Begin Your Recovery with FMLA

FMLA makes it possible to focus on recovery without sacrificing your job or health coverage. If you’re ready to start your journey to wellness, Buckhead Behavioral Health is here to help.