AFT MEMBER BENEFIT
Trauma Counseling
As an active member of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), you have access to a free confidential Trauma Counseling benefit.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and having thoughts of hurting yourself you promptly should call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911. You can learn more about the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. A claim must be submitted and approved to receive trauma counseling which may take up to 48 hours to connect you with a counselor. Contact may be delayed if additional documentation is required and/or your request was submitted on a Saturday, Sunday, or U.S. observed holiday.
This members-only benefit becomes available after a covered incident occurs. Whether you’ve experienced bullying, harassment, threats at work, a secondary trauma such as the loss of a student, or an assault, AFT wants you to have the resources you need to recover emotionally—at no extra cost to you.
Covered Incidents
Submit a Claim
Once you’ve confirmed that you have a covered incident to file under, complete the form below. A representative will contact you within two business days to guide you through the claims process. After your claim has been submitted, you’ll be connected with a counseling provider to begin onboarding and schedule your sessions. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, please submit a claim—a representative will reach out to answer your questions.
Public Employees Federation members must call 1-518-785-1900 or click HERE.
Experienced Trauma Specialists
You’ll be matched with a licensed mental health professional who specializes in trauma recovery—and connects with you on your terms via virtual counseling. If you’re already working with a therapist, we can work with them to provide care under this benefit.
Secure & Confidential Platform
You’ll have access to a password-protected private therapy room—visible only to you and your therapist. The entire platform is fully HIPAA-compliant and respectful of your personal information.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Examples of therapies include talk therapies (psychotherapy), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure, and medication-assisted therapy, which can enhance treatment outcomes for those with PTSD.
THE IMPACT OF TRAUMA COUNSELING
