The National Football League’s 58^th Annual Super Bowl ended with a winning team and fans who might be recovering from a tough season. Whether you’re an athlete or a fan watching sporting events in person or at home, the competitive nature of sports can be both exhilarating and heart-wrenching. However, what happens when the passion felt for the game triggers emotions such as sadness or depression? In this interview with Magellan Federal’s Performance Coaching Manager Meg Helf, M.S., CMPC®, we explore the concept known as “sports fan depression.”

What is Sports Fan Depression and is it a real diagnosis?

Meg Helf: Although Sports Fan Depression is not an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), many of us are all too familiar with the emotional rollercoaster that comes along with being a fan. Reactions to any number of life events can linger and develop into diagnosable depression, prolonged grief disorder, or an adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Just as we experience grief with the loss of a relationship or a loved one, a job or an opportunity, we may experience grief at the end of a season or when our favorite team comes up short.

For sports fans, acute grief is that initial intense feeling after a loss takes place. This may manifest in a range of complex feelings such as sadness, anger, frustration, and disappointment, which often isn’t discussed in the context of sport. When this grief is experienced for extended periods of time and starts to impact our daily functioning (e.g., work, eating habits, sleep, relationships), we might be experiencing what many call Sports Fan Depression.

What is it about sports that can trigger this feeling?

Helf: There are several reasons that sports can trigger these feelings. Fans make emotional, psychological, physical, and sometimes financial investments in their teams. There are a plethora of ways that sports can impact our wellbeing: sports can be integral to one’s identity, sports can drive our daily activities, and, sports have the ability to create communities and develop relationships.

The more someone identifies with their team the stronger they may feel loss about the outcome of the game or result of the season. These events can feel like a blow to our personal identity when we have a sense of pride and belonging. Despite superstitions and lucky shirts, socks, and routines, fans have a lack of influence and impact on the outcome of the game. This may set many up with unrealistic expectations and add a sense of helplessness. A player on the field has the ability to distinguish what went well, identify what they and the team need to develop, and maintain a future focused growth mindset regardless of the outcome. With less control, it is understandable that fans struggle with optimism because they cannot take any action to make the desired change.

For some, being a fan is a part-time (or full-time!) job. Between watching games, competing in fantasy leagues, and researching statistics, our daily lives are filled with something that we are passionate about. Similarly to how some marathon runners experience the “post-race blues,” when a season is over, we may feel a loss for all the time we invested and feel like a large part of our daily excitement and activities are missing. As the season comes to a close, that taste of the adrenaline, tension, energy and anticipation of each game fades and may leave us wanting.

Fans also rarely go it alone. Our favorite team has the ability to connect people, both friends and strangers alike. Fans connect across time zones for draft parties and engage in banter through fantasy leagues, spend hours tailgating before a game, and gather for watch parties. Families strengthen bonds, adorning newborns in gear and creating traditions. Strangers high-five. They hug. They share food, drinks and handwarmers. Even opposing fans engage in playful banter and share stories. Entire cities come together to support their team. We win together. We lose together. And when the season is over, we are losing these opportunities for such a meaningful part of life – connection to others.

How can someone identify if they suffer from this condition?

Helf: A couple of symptoms experienced with depression are diminished interest or pleasure in activities, depressed mood, significant unintentional weight gain or loss, insomnia or sleeping too much, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness. Prolonged grief symptoms are intense emotional pain, loss of identity, difficulty moving on with life, emotional numbness, feeling that life is meaningless, and intense loneliness.

Individuals should build self-awareness about the intensity and duration of their symptoms, and the impact they have on their daily lives. Tap into your thoughts. Are they pervasive? Is the loss of the game bleeding over to other areas of your life? Be purposeful with your next steps and be on the alert for destructive or non-productive patterns that may not help you (e.g., alcohol, adrenaline/thrill seeking, substance abuse, risk-taking).

What are steps someone should take if they believe they have Sports Fan Depression?

Helf:

• Make some intentional time to mourn the loss and build self-awareness of when intrusive thoughts creep in so you can shift to more productive, optimistic style thinking.
• Expand your identity – who are you outside of being a loyal, avid fan?
• Develop and maintain healthy habits – make time to move your body, prioritize healthy eating, hydration, and sleep. These habits are always crucial, but especially helpful for individuals who are struggling.
• Cultivate connections with others – reconnect with your fellow fans in a different context and develop new communities. Diversify your portfolio on interests and discover activities that generate positive emotions and engagement.
• Unplug from your fandom. Clear your head and provide an opportunity to get a little emotional distance from the season. Taking time for yourself will sow benefits for you and those around you. If the post-season funk stays around for longer than 2-4 weeks, find a professional to talk to or take a depression screen.

It’s important to understand that it is perfectly natural to have emotional highs and lows when you are so connected and invested with a specific sports team. Just because you experience some grief, sadness, or disappointment does not mean you have depression. It is typical to have reactions when any season changes and normal to reset your compass.

Perhaps consider why you watch sports in the first place. Is it the appreciation of athletic prowess? The comradery and connection with others? Pride in your town? Understanding what is most important to you can help you squeeze every ounce of enjoyment and excitement out of the game, while arming you with strategies to cultivate your wellbeing.

For more information on depression screenings and tips on wellness, please check out: The Journey to Wellness: Do I need a Depression Screening?

And remember…there is always next season!

Resources

Online screens and helplines: 

• Anxiety & Depression Association of America: (1)
• The Reach Institute (2)
• Mental Health America (16)
• Veteran’s Administration (17)
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
• NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264

February 1^st is known around the world as Time to Talk Day. This is a national day that encourages individuals to have an open dialogue about their mental health and to be supportive of others.

In this DocTalk article, Magellan Healthcare’s Medical Director Dr. Chris Squillaro shares why the act of talking about mental health is so important, the common misconceptions about mental health, and advice on how to approach the conversation for all age groups.

Q: In your opinion, why is it important to talk openly about mental health?

Dr. Chris Squillaro: Open conversation is important to communicate our feelings and emotions.  Without the ability to share the things that we are feeling inside, they can become confusing, which can feel out-of-control and lead to worsening emotions and possibly behavior.  Conversing about mental health also normalizes the subject matter.  The more frequently mental health is openly discussed the more accustomed we become to discuss it within our relationships and as a society.  Lastly, talking about it helps us to realize that we are not alone.  Since mental health and substance use is so prevalent in our culture, every one of us likely has a connection to someone struggling with one or the other.

Conversely, not openly discussing mental health has no benefit.  History has already shown that this only leads to stigma and worsens the potential problems associated with unaddressed mental health conditions.  If we’re not openly discussing it, we’re also not openly seeking solutions when needed.

Q: In 2024, what do you think is the biggest misconception about mental health?

Dr. Squillaro: That mental health issues are resolving as fast as our concerns about COVID.  Even though we are moving away from the day-to-day threat of COVID to us and our loved ones, mental health and the mental health system are far from recovered.  We are seeing consequences both in terms of children and adolescents who lost social connection at critical junctures in their development and are struggling to catch up from the delay.  This not only impacts them but also their family unit and their community.  The increase in alcohol and drug use that occurred during the height of the pandemic was not resolved.  Many of the people who developed addictions are just now starting to seek help and there are many who have not realized that there is a problem.

At the same time there is a greater need as the delivery of mental health services shifted.  Services moved from primarily face-to-face to virtual.  With this came a shift in the workforce.  Many mental health workers sought virtual positions and left critical services that required face-to-face interaction.  This left vacancies that have not been filled.  Every service in every level of care is experiencing staffing shortages.  The misconception is that as society normalizes, the mental health system has normalized and can accommodate the demand.  However, we are not seeing that same level of normalization at a time when it is needed.

Q: How do you think we can create a more supportive and understanding community when it comes to mental health?

Dr. Squillaro: It starts in the home.  Each generation has gotten better at this.  The best way to influence change is to teach our young.  More knowledgeable and understanding parents teach their children acceptance.  These children then begin to make a difference as they interact in the community and in school.  As the members of the generation mature, they create a more compassionate and embracing community.  When children grow up with these concepts that are taught and modeled in the home, their thinking and behavior is more solidified and less likely to be influenced by many of the external influences that continue to be intolerant.  I doubt anyone feels that society will eliminate extreme points of view that preach intolerance.  But the hope is that these extremes get smaller with the majority being a community that is accepting and supportive.

Q: What role can friends, family, or colleagues play in supporting mental well-being, and how can they contribute positively to someone who may have mental health struggles?

Dr. Squillaro: In terms of having tougher conversations and feeling safe to communicate about mental health and mental health struggles, family and friends are critical. They contribute to each other’s lives by caring and having the best of intentions, even when saying things that aren’t always easy to hear or when someone isn’t necessarily ready for help.  Many times, family and friends will be the first to identify when something is wrong and should be the first to speak up.  The most positive thing you can do for someone is to let them know what you’re seeing and that you are a person they can come to for help.  They may not be ready in that moment and they may need additional encouragement, but being there is the hardest and best thing to do.

On the other end, as things begin to improve, they will also likely see it first.  They can encourage and provide that perspective to continue instilling hope.  They can walk the recovery journey with their loved ones and make the connection even stronger.

Q: What advice would you give to someone hesitant to talk about their mental health issues?

Dr. Squillaro: An analogy I use to make this point is that emotions are like water.  Eventually, there is nothing that can hold it back and when it breaks through, it is one of the most transformative and potentially destructive forces on the planet.  Hesitating to talk about mental health doesn’t mean it’s not there.  We’re only able to hold it back for so long before the pressure becomes so great that we no longer control how it comes out and what it destroys.  Talking about mental health is like choosing to release the pressure and having a more constructive say as to how those emotions come out.

Q: Can you share 3-4 ways to begin an open dialogue with someone about your need for support?

• Identify the issue – you don’t need to know exactly what is wrong, only that your emotions are affecting your functioning.
• Identify someone who has historically made you feel safe.
• Take a risk – anxiety is about feeling conflicted. Choosing to move forward despite that feeling is how you begin to change take control of it.
• Gather information – after you’ve taken one risk, a second, third or more becomes easier. In that process, collect what people tell you and find your own path forward.

Q: Are there unique ways to approach a discussion about mental health with an adult versus a child (under 18) or a young adult?

Dr. Squillaro: Pay attention to the language you use.  Whether it’s a child, adolescent, or an adult, they must be able to understand what you’re saying.  Logically, children will need more simple language and concepts.  It’s okay with adolescents to take a more informal approach to how you communicate.  You’re trying to connect with someone who is at a stage where they may not want to rely on authority figures or feel that they know better.  Adults can have a wide range of capabilities.  Trying to match the language they use will put it in terms they can understand.

Be aware of their developmental stage.  Each age group is at a different stage of brain development.  Children will need to be told the answer and will need help developing the solutions.  They are much more open to direction from authority figures.  Adolescents are more impulsive and tend to believe they can easily overcome the issues.  They may also be more comfortable receiving recommendations from peers, so look to engage people within their age group to help reach them.  Adults have more lived experience, and their decision-making is more progressed.  Predicting the consequences in areas of importance to them helps to prepare them engage in help.  No matter what age group, sometimes people need time to process information.

As a person trying to support someone with a mental health issue, patience and consistent messaging are key.  Very few people react immediately.  Continue to support them through their process and reinforce a message of help and hope that will eventually be heard when they are ready.

Q: What tools or resources would you recommend on this topic?

Dr. Squillaro: This may sound simplistic, but doing an online search can bring you to both national organizations and local resources that may be of benefit.  It offers choices about which sites, information, or resources speak to you.  Specifically, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a resource on this: How to Talk About Mental Health | SAMHSA.  Another great organization to seek support is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Resources | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness.  NAMI also has local chapters and can provide support to families as well.

Your insurance provider will also have resources available on their website and may be able to aid in facilitating referrals or tools to help you understand what you’re feeling or start a conversation with someone who needs help.  Along the same lines, the county you live in has mental health resources and is well-versed in the network of providers who can provide the services needed.

Resources

How to Talk About Mental Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness

Walk into any store after Halloween and you more than likely will see the twinkle of holiday lights, trees, and decorations that quickly remind us that the Christmas season is upon us. For some, these reminders are a welcomed sight, and, for others, these reminders may trigger feelings of stress.

One way to help ease stress levels can be by setting healthy boundaries. Magellan Healthcare’s medical director Candice Tate, MD, MBA, shares advice on the importance of setting healthy boundaries during the holiday season.

Q: What are some factors that you feel are adding to stress this holiday season?

Dr. Tate: I think people are still trying to get that pre-pandemic holiday spirit back. People feel overworked and underpaid. Many stressors do not seem to have a deadline or an endpoint. This is also the time when people tend to mourn the loss of loved ones or feel emotional because they are unable to attend family gatherings.

Q: What are the steps to setting healthy boundaries during the holiday season?

Dr. Tate:

1. What are your needs and/or what are your stressors? This first step is important because it is difficult for others to know what you need and what stresses you. This can be effective by focusing on your top five.
2. You should expect resistance from others because your needs may conflict with their needs. This can be a challenging step in establishing boundaries for that reason. This is also challenging because you are imposing a change from past behavior.
3. You must communicate the boundaries and any subsequent changes. This may result in uncomfortable discussions and possibly conflict, but this is a necessary step in establishing boundaries. This is important for the people who will be directly impacted by the changes.
4. You must be consistent with the boundaries and hold yourself accountable. Others may intentionally or unintentionally challenge your new rules and habits. It is important to stand firm and remind others of what has been discussed. For this step, practice makes perfect. The longer you are consistent in reinforcing your boundaries, the more beneficial the boundaries will become.
5. Be prepared to distance yourself if necessary. On occasion someone may wholly reject your boundaries and object to any change. That is okay for them to do, and it is okay for you to distance yourself from the person or the situation. The boundary has been created to provide you with peace of mind and protection.

Q: What are examples of healthy boundaries? Is this important for both adults and children? How so?

Dr. Tate: An example of a healthy boundary during the holidays is setting a budget. Many people are faced with financial challenges due to rising costs of food and gifts. Many people feel that their disposable income has decreased over the past few years. Setting a budget for holiday spending to include gifts, decor, travel, and entertainment is a form of a boundary. Overspending causes anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. A budget can be beneficial for an individual and/or a family. It can be shared electronically or on paper, and it can be discussed with significant others and children. This allows for spending a certain amount, managing expectations, sparking creativity, and establishing new standards for the holidays.

The holiday season is an optimal time to take a social media break as another example. Recent reports in the news highlight how social media harms teenagers and children. Not only is this information not new, but we also know that social media negatively affects adults too. This is an opportunity to disconnect from what others are doing (or pretending to do) and allows you the space to focus on your values and the needs of your family.

There is so much pressure for us to experience a certain type of holiday season that usually includes overspending, indulgence, and being happy about it. Establishing boundaries is an opportunity to show yourself and your children that you can create positive and meaningful memories by doing things that suit your family based on your means and your values.

The Military & Family Counseling (MFLC) Child/Youth Behavioral (CYB) Program was created to expand supportive services to military families by providing non-medical counseling opportunities to their children. Magellan offers CYB counseling positions only to independently licensed clinicians who possess education and experience in counseling children in age groups and environments similar to those of their MFLC counseling assignment. CYB MFLC services are utilized frequently. During a one-year period (October 2022 – 2023), Magellan CYB MFLC counselors provided approximately 1,071,000 counseling or consultation sessions focused on child issues.

Military life is complex, challenging, and dynamic. The government and Magellan continue to conduct research and identify new issues impacting military children and families. Best practices continue to emerge or be augmented to address difficulties that may negatively impact military children’s functioning levels and wellbeing. To maintain our commitment to providing the highest level of care for our military children, Magellan has developed a voluntary certificate program for CYB MFLC counselors to:

• Build on foundational knowledge of child development theories and emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges that may occur in each stage,
• Provide information on challenges unique to military children and how they are manifested in day-to-day living, and
• Enhance knowledge and application of evidence-based protocols to address specific internal and environmental factors that may negatively impact healthy childhood development.

The CYB Professional Certificate program is comprised of two tracks and was designed, sponsored, and administered by Magellan to meet the evolving needs of today’s military youth. MFLC counselors may complete one or both tracks depending on professional development interests and learning needs. Completion certificates are available for each track. All training modules within the program are approved for continuing education units (CEU) for maintaining counselor professional certifications.

The goals of this youth-focused counseling training program are to:

1. Develop healthy military children,
2. Reduce the probability of problem escalation to clinically significant levels and
3. Assure service and family members’ readiness and resilience.

The success of the program is dependent on MFLCs’ abilities to provide developmentally appropriate evidence-based interventions that engage and support military children, their families, and others involved in children’s lives. The CYB Certificate Program enhances the level of expertise among CYB MFLCs and the likelihood of positive outcomes among military children/families, thereby meeting or exceeding program goals and ensuring a resilient, ready military workforce.

Our brains are constantly thinking of things we need to accomplish. There are milestones and deadlines at work. At home, there are responsibilities, friends, and families that deserve our attention. Adding to the normal demands and stressors of life, the holiday season is right around the corner.

The holidays bring connection and joy but also a need for decorations, travel arrangements, and planning. Families strive to truly capitalize on their precious opportunity for leave. Military families with a loved one on deployment are considering how this year may feel a little off and are thinking about what they can do to still make it special.

Managing Demands During the Holidays

Thinking of the many demands upon us, it’s easy to see how the feeling of holiday cheer can be overtaken by unpleasant emotions such as anxiety. We can feel drained as we are trying to navigate a conversation or two while simultaneously taking care of some task. It’s in the depleted, attention-divided state that feeling overwhelmed can occur. While common, this doesn’t need to be the case. Instead of letting the holidays pass you by with a sense of overwhelm, give yourself the present of presence by setting boundaries. Here’s how.

• Identify priorities—When you identify what is most important to you, you can be more intentional about focusing your time, energy, and effort. Prioritize your activities and narrow your focus by considering what you value the most. Whether it’s cooking a special dish, arranging the décor just right, or meaningful conversations with someone, you can focus your time and attention where you most desire.
• Create boundaries—This may seem limiting at first, but boundaries actually create the opportunity to dedicate yourself fully to what you care about most. Setting boundaries means giving yourself permission to say no to events, certain traditions, or just the pressure to do it all. At times, this can be challenging because we may feel like we’re missing out: however, although we are not doing everything, we are able to get more out of the things we do.
• Be in the moment—Once you create boundaries, it will enable you to fully bring yourself to the moment. Your thoughts, energy, and attention are present in the moment; you have a sense of complete engagement in what you’re doing, and a greater sense of awareness in each precise activity. When having a conversation, you are truly listening, empathizing, and being aware of each other’s presence. Whether you agree or disagree on a particular topic, you seek to understand and appreciate that person.

The Value of Being Present

When we are mindful, life’s special moments come alive. Noticing the smirk someone gives. Savoring the flavor of each bite. Basking in the bustling of sounds around. Indulging in the pleasures and joys with abandon. This is where we connect, where we create the bonds and memories that last far longer than anyone’s awareness of how clean the house was that day, if we were five minutes late, or if we forgot that critical dish.

Understanding what we value most and leveraging boundaries to reserve our resources gives us the power to be present in the moments that matter. This is the most precious present we can give others…and ourselves.

Happy Present Holidays!

Giving Tuesday is recognized as the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States, and has recently become a powerful global movement to inspire people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Here’s how Magellan Federal gives back to the community each and every day. Will you join us in building a better world?

Our Legacy of Service

One of the most unique aspects of Magellan Federal is our non-profit history. The story of our legacy dates back to 1879 through the establishment of a nonprofit organization to care for surviving spouses and children of fallen soldiers. Through the years, many families of fallen soldiers received support regarding military benefits, survivor benefits, and more through this non-profit.

In 2000 the Member Services department of this non-profit spun off and formed a for-profit corporation that embodied the values of giving back, service, and providing the best possible assistance to the military and their families. Armed Forces Services Corporation (AFSC) was born, formed by a Vietnam Veteran Service-Disabled service member whose mission was to expand services to warriors, veterans, and families. As a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), AFSC embedded a spirit of service throughout the organization by establishing a “double bottom line” mission to achieve not only business aims but also positive impact. For AFSC, success encompassed improving the lives of service members, veterans, and their families.

Growing Generosity

In 2016, AFSC joined Magellan Health, one of the nation’s largest healthcare companies, to create Magellan Federal, which strengthened the historical mission of AFSC’s service. Today, as Magellan Federal, we continue our legacy of service through our Community Partnership program, which formalizes and promotes activities of service and generosity. Through this program, we have streamlined our actions to support organizations that share our passion for giving back to the military and federal community.

Magellan Federal mobilizes and creates opportunities for employees to engage in volunteerism and philanthropic endeavors in the community. We give all Magellan employees eight hours of volunteer time off annually. As denoted in our values, we care deeply about each other, our customers and the communities we serve. Therefore, if there is something that needs to be done in any of these areas, we believe it is our job to do it. As it was in our inception, so it is today, if there is a need, we endeavor to serve until the need is met. You can view our #MFedCares team member stories on LinkedIn.

Call to Action

On Giving Tuesday—and every day—we invite you to join us in serving and giving back wherever and however you can. Whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community, no contribution is too small. It will always be our collective engagement to show up and serve that makes the most difference. As stated on GivingTuesday.org, here are some ways to serve:

• Support your local social good organizations, mutual aid networks, and community organizers
• Combat loneliness by reaching out to a relative, seniors, or veterans.
• Do an act of kindness or help a neighbor
• Identify your gifts, pick a cause that gets you fired up, and give back – not just for Giving Tuesday but every day.
• 50 ideas for acts of kindness

Every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world we all want to live in.

As October comes to a close, so does the monthly observance known as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme selected by the Office of Disability Employment Policy was “Advancing Access and Equity.” According to the Autism Society, adults with Autism are represented in every field of employment.

In this Q&A article featuring Dr. Amy Latta, a psychologist advisor for Magellan Healthcare, we explore the question – is Autism a disability?  Dr. Latta shares her thoughts on this question below.

Q: Is autism considered a disability (from social, legal, and medical viewpoints)?

Dr. Latta: The medical and legal perspectives both view Autism as a disability. The disability is created when the individual’s impairments (social communication and social interaction, as well as restricted interests, behaviors, or activities) interfere with daily functioning.

In contrast, a social perspective views the individual with Autism as “neurodivergent”  or having a brain style that is simply different from the average or “neurotypical” person in society.  From this perspective, Autism is not a disability. The disability is created by society’s lack of acceptance of an individual with a different or “neurodivergent” brain style. Within this framework, as society becomes more inclusive of persons with Autism and adapts better to their needs, the disability fades.

Q: How do you discuss neurodivergence with a child with autism?

Dr. Latta: If you ask a group of children to draw a person enjoying something fun, do you think all the pictures will look the same? Would anyone’s drawing be the “right” drawing or the “wrong” drawing? That is neurodivergence. It means everyone’s brain functions differently. There is no right or wrong way.

Q: Please briefly outline state government disability benefits people with autism can take advantage of.

Dr. Latta: Social Security Administration’s (SSA) administers the Social Security Income (SSI) program, which provides financial assistance to children and adults with Autism. In order to meet eligibility for SSI, there are income limits and medical requirements (e.g., symptoms of Autism need to be severe enough).

Q: How does getting disability benefits differ for children and adults (especially for parents with teens about to turn 18 – do they need to go through the process of conservatorship before the 18th birthday or will their child need to show financial responsibility, such as a job or paying rent, to get the full amount of disability)?

Dr. Latta: A child (under age 18) with Autism may qualify for Social Security Income (SSI) if the symptoms of Autism are severe enough and the parents’ income does not exceed the income limit. The income limit increases with each additional child under age 18 in the family.

Once a child with Autism turns 18, the parents’ income is no longer counted (even if the child is living at home) in the calculation for SSI benefits.

If a child is going to turn 18 and needs help making life decisions as an adult, the family may want to consider providing support to the child after age 18 through guardianship, conservatorship, or power of attorney. Guardianship and conservatorship are more involved legal processes so the family will want to start this process six months before the child turns 18.

Guardianship: A trusted adult is court-ordered by a judge to make decisions on behalf of the individual. There are full and partial guardians. A full guardian can make decisions about all areas of an individual’s life. A partial guardian can make decisions about select areas of an individual’s life.

Conservatorship: A trusted adult is court-ordered by a judge to make decisions about financial affairs only.

Power of Attorney: Is a legal document that authorizes a trusted adult to make decisions about the individual’s property, finances, or medical care. Under a POA, the individual still retains the right to make decisions on his or her behalf.

For more than 80 years, organizations have turned to employee assistance professionals to support their employees and people leaders dealing with issues that threaten personal wellbeing or hinder workplace productivity. Today’s most trusted expert is the Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), who is multifaceted and has a sharp focus on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) core technology to guide their work. Here’s how and why Magellan believes obtaining a CEAP certification can benefit your professional development and help organizations receive top-tier EAP services.

What Makes Employee Assistance Professionals Unique

Fostering employee engagement and wellbeing is associated with a positive workplace culture, helps retain and attract talented employees, and contributes to higher productivity. Employer organizations have long relied on the unique blend of expertise possessed by experienced Employee Assistance (EA) professionals to support and advance their programs. Skilled EA professionals are knowledgeable in organizational culture, mental health, workplace policy, program promotion, and crisis management. They possess the ability to interact with and support all levels of the organization.

On any given day, EA professionals intervene with individual employees and family members in managing life’s challenges; furnishing opportunities for people leader development; conducting program promotion activities; and addressing organizational impacts such as preventing and coping with workplace violence, critical incident support, and crisis management. Unlike other helping professionals who often play a client–advocate role, EA professionals recognize and are bound by the principle of their dual-client relationship and maintain neutrality as well as confidentiality. EA professionals’ distinct expertise and adherence to the dual-client philosophy sets them apart from other types of helping professionals.

The Value of CEAP Certification

The Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) certification is the only EA professional credential that demonstrates mastery of the concepts and skills required by competent EA professionals. CEAP certification is a recognizable commitment to excellence and demonstrates the EA professional’s unique body of knowledge and alignment with the EAP core technology.

Voluntary certification establishes professional credibility by demonstrating the following:

• Observance of quality and industry standards
• Well-trained in your area of expertise
• Commitment to continuous professional development
• Personal drive and motivation to excel in the Employee Assistance profession

The CEAP certification process provides an evaluation of existing knowledge and skills while concurrently providing professional development. The required knowledge modules cover essential EAP components, updated industry information, exposure to international EAP, policy issues along with relevant legal issues, EAP clinical assessments, marketing, training, supervision, and program management for EAPs.

The CEAP is the gold standard in the field of employee assistance. It is the only credential that confirms proficiency in the concepts and skills required by competent EA professionals, and it is why Magellan Federal seeks to hire professionals with this designation and offer free certification for our staff. We believe that the CEAP empowers our professionals to provide exceptional EAP services to the government, our ultimate goal.

How to Become a CEAP

There are multiple pathways to becoming a CEAP, depending on your education and work experience. Many CEAPs are masters-level counselors, but there are other roles in the EA profession that do not require a counseling degree. For example, account executives, program managers, human resource professionals, and union stewards benefit from CEAP certification in their roles.  All candidates seeking initial certification should visit the Employee Assistance Professional Association (EAPA) website for more information.