Understanding the Importance of Extended Behavioral Health Treatment
For many individuals struggling with mental health or substance use disorders, the idea of taking 30 to 90 days—or even longer—off work to enter a treatment facility can seem impossible. The pressure to maintain employment, meet financial obligations, and manage family responsibilities often causes people to delay or avoid seeking care. However, the reality is that long-term treatment can be life-changing and, in many cases, life-saving.
Extended stays in a behavioral health facility allow patients to not only detox and stabilize but also to begin working through the deeper emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues underlying their struggles. At Maverick Behavioral Health, we recognize the courage it takes to seek help and the concerns individuals have about leaving their jobs. Understanding your rights and options can make all the difference in starting the path to recovery.
Your Legal Rights: Protections for Employees Seeking Treatment
Many people aren’t aware that U.S. federal law provides specific protections for employees needing time off for medical and behavioral health treatment. One of the most important protections comes from the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for serious health conditions—including mental health and substance use disorders.
This means you may be able to take time off work to enter a facility like Maverick Behavioral Health without losing your job. During FMLA leave, your position (or a comparable one) must be held for you, and your health insurance benefits continue as if you were still working. To qualify, you typically must have been with your employer for at least 12 months and worked a minimum of 1,250 hours during that time, and your employer must have 50 or more employees.
In addition to FMLA, some states have their own leave laws that may offer even broader protections. It’s also worth discussing your options with your company’s human resources department, as some employers offer short-term disability plans or employee assistance programs (EAPs) that can support you during treatment.
How to Approach Your Employer About Taking Time Off
Telling your employer that you need time off for behavioral health treatment can feel intimidating. Privacy, stigma, and job security are all valid concerns. However, with the right approach, many people find their employers to be surprisingly supportive.
Start by understanding what you are—and are not—obligated to disclose. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are not required to share specific medical details. You can simply state that you are dealing with a serious health condition and will need medical leave under FMLA or another applicable policy. Most HR departments are trained to handle these requests confidentially and professionally.
If you feel comfortable, you can explain that taking this step is essential for your long-term health and well-being, and that it will ultimately improve your focus and productivity. At Maverick Behavioral Health, we often work with patients and their families to help coordinate documentation and assist with communication to employers as needed.
Why 30–90 Days (or More) Can Be Necessary
While many treatment centers offer 7 or 14-day programs, research shows that longer stays are often more effective for lasting recovery. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends at least 90 days of treatment for individuals dealing with substance use disorders, noting that longer engagement in care is associated with better outcomes.
A 30- to 90-day program allows for more than just symptom relief—it creates space for reflection, skill-building, therapy, and the development of new coping strategies. Extended time away from triggering environments provides a buffer that can be critical for deep healing. For those dealing with co-occurring disorders—like depression and addiction, or anxiety and PTSD—longer treatment allows for comprehensive, integrated care.
Maverick Behavioral Health offers tailored, extended-stay programs with evidence-based therapies, peer support, and holistic approaches to recovery. We recognize that recovery is not a race, and we support each individual’s unique healing timeline.
Making the Decision to Prioritize Your Health
Taking time off work to focus on your mental health or recovery is not a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful step toward reclaiming your life. At Maverick Behavioral Health, we’ve seen countless individuals transform their futures by choosing to invest in themselves through extended treatment.
If you’re worried about work, consider the long-term cost of not getting help. Burnout, declining performance, chronic stress, or relapse can take an even greater toll on your job and your health. By taking action now, you’re positioning yourself to return to work healthier, more focused, and more resilient.
Our team is here to guide you through the process, from understanding your rights and preparing for your leave, to ensuring you receive the highest level of compassionate, effective care during your stay. Recovery is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re interested in articles like this, you might want to check out: Can I Take Time Off Work to Enter a Facility and Stay for 30–90 Days or Longer?
