CLEARWATER, Fla. (May 11, 2020)—Empath Health announced it is offering free counseling sessions to health care workers who have endured so much extra stress through this COVID-19 pandemic. 

These one-hour sessions are available to anyone who identifies themselves as a health care employee—and not just frontline workers. Counselors will work with the receptionist from the doctor’s office to the aide in a nursing home to the orderly in the hospital.

As of right now, sessions are being conducted virtually (Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, phone) and once staff return to their offices, counselors will see anyone in Empath Health’s Pinellas County locations—though clients are not required to be Pinellas County residents. The organization will offer up to six free one-hour sessions per client.

“Empath Health is committed to serving our community through our integrated network of care. We are so pleased to extend free mental health counseling to our health care colleagues,” said Dr. Stacy Orloff, Vice President of Innovation and Community Health at Empath Health. “Health care providers often focus on helping others, paying less attention to their own needs. We understand the emotional and spiritual toll felt by so many during these extremely unusual times and truly hope people will take advantage of this opportunity for some self-care. This is our way to say ‘thank you’ for being there for everyone in our community.”

To schedule an appointment, health care workers should call (727) 523-3451.

Visit empathhealth.org for more information.