About the ACMS' Physician Wellness Program

Welcome to the Physician Wellness Program, an initiative dedicated to addressing the urgent issue of physician burnout. As the professional association for physicians in Allegheny County, we understand the challenges and pressures that physicians face in today’s demanding healthcare landscape. In response, we have developed a comprehensive wellness program that is supported by The Physicians Foundation and the Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation. Our program provides confidential counseling services that are tailored to the unique needs of physicians living and working in Allegheny County. We are committed to significantly impacting physicians’ lives by eliminating barriers to accessing mental health services. We aim to empower physicians to seek the resources and tools necessary to navigate their life journey successfully. Our objective is to foster a stronger and more resilient healthcare community. We invite you to explore our page to learn more.

Physician Wellness Program - Confidentiality

Our mental health providers (MHPs) are sensitive to keeping your personal and professional reputation intact. Your participation in this program is completely voluntary and confidential and may not be mandated as a condition of employment. Neither ACMS, your employer, nor the Board of Medicine will be notified of your name if you choose to participate.

 

  • No medical diagnosis – only limited therapy notes are kept on paper
  • No insurance billing – our billing process does not allow for participant names to be submitted
  • Limited electronic records created (e.g. calendaring, consent to treat, and telehealth software, all of which will be disclosed and explained by the therapist).

 

Participants must sign an understanding of the MHP’s limits of confidentiality under certain legal statutes. Please review our consent to treat forms prior to your first appointment, although you will go over this paperwork in your first appointment.

The Physician Wellness Program provides confidential access to mental health providers for licensed physicians working or residing in Allegheny County because:

  • You want to provide the best care for your patients that you can.
  • You want to be present for your family, friends, and colleagues.
  • You want to optimize your career and life.
 

We do our best to provide care that is:

  • Competent- Allegheny County physicians and behavioral health specialists interviewed mental health providers known for helping healthcare professionals address issues such as depression, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and burnout.
  • Convenient -You can usually schedule appointments within one to two weeks by making a few calls or sending emails. Providers offer varied hours, including some weekend and evening telehealth appointments at locations throughout Allegheny County.
  • Cost-freeThis benefit is designed to make it easier for you to initiate self-care without the worry of upfront costs. If you decide to continue treatment, you can discuss payment arrangements directly with the provider.

To Make an Appointment

  1. View the profiles of contracted mental health providers shown below:

    Please note that all available times listed below are in Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise noted. The therapist may modify the schedule without notice. If you’re using a computer, you can use the scroll bar on the right to view all the providers under contract with PWP. You can also filter the profile cards by any field, such as focus, modality, or location. Additionally, you have the option to download a spreadsheet or view the providers in a larger window by clicking on “VIEW LARGER VERSION” at the bottom of the white profiles section

  2. Contact the provider of choice using their preferred method. Identify yourself as a physician looking to utilize the Physician Wellness Program.

  3. Review program guidelines and informed consent forms on the before your first appointment.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PROVIDER

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call the Resolve Crisis and Suicide Hotline at (888) 796-8226 or call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 9-8-8.

Appointments are available during hours that physicians can access in Allegheny County and via telehealth.

The complimentary benefit for physicians in need is four (4) sessions per twelve-month period, starting with the initial appointment.

Eligible members include physicians and residents working or retired in Allegheny County.

Family members may attend counseling sessions with members, but the physician must be present as the client of record.

Interested in supporting the future of this program? Tax-deductible donations to the ACMS Foundation and a grant from the Physicians Foundation have helped make this program possible. 

About the ACMS' Physician Wellness Program

Competent

Our MHPs have been vetted by ACMS member physicians and/or behavioral health professionals for their experience with and sensitivity to the challenges that doctors and other healthcare workers commonly face. While we verify licensure with the State of Pennsylvania, we do not necessarily independently verify all claims of experience or certification, nor do we guarantee suitability for any particular issue for which an Allegheny County physician may seek help.

We also include certified coaches as well as therapists to provide more options. Coaches focus on future goals and action plans without, while psychotherapists can address past trauma and emotional issues through exploratory methods.

Please review the credentials and experience of MHPs and coaches per your own standards.

This program effectively removes barriers that prevent physicians from accessing the counseling they need. It’s a great resource that can help improve the well-being of doctors in the community. It also serves as a catalyst to initiate a broader discussion on how we can better support each other. This is a platform to help reduce the stigma around seeking mental health services.

-Vint Blackburn, MD

Convenient

To make an appointment

1) View the list of contracted MHPs and make contact with one of them to make an appointment.

2) Identify yourself as a physician working in Allegheny County and that you are utilizing this benefit. 

3) If you are having difficulty getting an appointment, you can call (412) 321-5030 at x100 for assistance. Please note that your anonymity with ACMS may not be completely preserved if caller ID is displayed to the ACMS staff.

Cost-Free Access

Appointments are offered during both traditional office hours and non-traditional hours, either in-person or via telehealth, based on the MHP’s availability as indicated in their profile.

The complimentary benefit for physicians in need is four (4) sessions per twelve-month period, starting with the initial appointment.

Eligible members include physicians and residents working or retired in Allegheny County.

Family members can attend counseling sessions with the client, but the physician must be present as the client of record.

Interested in supporting the future of this program? Tax-deductible donations to the ACMS Foundation and a grant from the Physicians Foundation have helped make this program possible.