Caring for caregivers: mental health support at Providence Swedish
At Providence Swedish, we know that mental health is the foundation of overall well-being. In a time when 90% of Americans feel the country is facing a mental health crisis, we are here to ensure our caregivers have the support they need—because caring for others begins with caring for yourself. We do all we can to safeguard the mental health of caregivers through comprehensive mental wellness benefits, resources and support, along with peer trauma response teams to assist after adverse events. Nurse Manager Tyler reflects on the caring environment at Providence Swedish, saying, “They really do care about our well being here.”
Helping caregivers refill their own cups
Providence caregivers receive our best-in-class benefits from their first day, and that includes a host of mental wellness benefits and resources. According to Chief Nursing Officer Renee, the mental health and wellness benefits at Providence Swedish, such as those offered through Lyra, are designed to support caregivers. “While you’re here at the hospital, you’re able to access resources for your own mental health and wellbeing, because we know the better and happier you are, the better you’re able to serve.”
The Choose Well Caregiver Assistance Program through Lyra offers free and confidential mental wellness resources and support for all caregivers and their families—including counseling support 24/7. This includes:
- Mental Health Therapy (individual, couples, family, child): Lyra’s in-network therapists are experts at diagnosing mental health conditions and identifying thoughts, behaviors and strong emotions that cause depression, anxiety or PTSD.
- Behavioral Health Concierge: This confidential service offered exclusively to caregivers and dependents provides quick access to highly skilled, licensed clinicians, by video or phone, 7 days a week.
- Mental Health Coaching: Caregivers can meet with a certified coach to get to the root of their challenges, gain new insights and see things through a new lens.
- Guided Self-Care: Crafted by a Mental Health Coach, this is a personalized six-week digital care plan.
- Lyra Essentials: Self-care tools that teach new skills based on proven behavioral health approaches.
- Lyra Learn: An eLearning platform with on-demand courses and live monthly workshops curated and facilitated by mental health professionals.
The mental health benefits resonate with caregivers from all roles at Providence Swedish. For Swedish Clinic Nurse Nikki, the Choose Well benefits have made a difference not just for her, but for her entire family. “I really liked Choose Well benefits,” she shares, “because it encourages you to have a work-life balance, and I am able to include my children and husband in the health benefits. We all take advantage of the mental health benefits, as well. I get 25 visits; my kids and my husband get 25 visits as well. That’s pretty amazing.” Patient Services Representative Hannah agrees, “They’re really big on mental health and preventing burnout. They want to make sure that you have everything you need to be successful so that you can be there long term.”
Support when you need it most: peer programs for caregivers
Sometimes mental health issues are spurred by trauma, which can include anything from a natural disaster to patient-related trauma to chronic stress to compassion fatigue and beyond. To help caregivers through these moments, Providence Swedish has a peer support program called Code Lavender. A trained team of fellow caregivers responds after an adverse event. Team members are well versed on critical incident stress management, listening and support skills, and resources for referral to the next level of care, if needed.
Swedish Pediatric Specialty Care RN Randi experienced firsthand the value of the mental health support. “We had a stressful situation here on our clinic and mental health was provided for us for several days, which was absolutely wonderful. And I have used it on my own.”
About providing this critical and ongoing support, Swedish Chief Nursing Officer Elina says, “Mental health has really come to the forefront in the last few years. We’re creating pathways for caregivers to connect with the right therapist. It’s saving peoples’ lives daily. I’ve seen it myself with people that I’ve worked with. I’m so glad that we’re providing that for our caregivers and that people feel comfortable talking about it. It’s definitely much needed.”
Work where your mental health is as important as your physical health
If you’re looking for a place where your mental well-being is as valued as the care you give, join us at Providence Swedish. Find the role that’s right for you and start your journey toward a more balanced, fulfilling career.