Protect Your Job While Prioritizing Your Mental Health
If you’re considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, you’re already taking a major step toward healing. But for many people, there’s one big concern before starting treatment:
“How do I take time off work without risking my job?”
At Bella Vida TMS, we help patients across Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Glendale balance their work lives with their mental health needs. And yes—you absolutely can take time off work for TMS.
In this post, we’ll show you how to talk to your employer, how much time you might need, and how laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can help protect your employment.
How TMS Fits Into Your Work Schedule
TMS therapy is done in-office, usually 5 days a week for 6 to 9 weeks. Each session takes about 20–30 minutes, with no sedation and minimal recovery time.
This makes it possible for many people to:
- Come in before or after work
- Schedule sessions during lunch breaks
- Adjust weekly treatment times to fit shift schedules
If your job is flexible, you might not even need formal leave. But if your schedule is demanding—or you just need the mental space to heal—you may want to take time off using FMLA.
How to Talk to Your Employer
Not everyone is comfortable discussing mental health at work—but you don’t have to share every detail. Here’s how to keep it clear and professional:
💬 1. Keep it Simple
You don’t need to name your diagnosis. Instead, say you’re receiving treatment for a health condition and may need time off for appointments.
Example:
“I’m receiving a series of medical treatments over the next few weeks and may need some flexibility in my schedule. I’d like to explore options that support my care while meeting work responsibilities.”
💬 2. Know Your Rights
You are not required to disclose specific medical information to your boss. If your workplace has an HR department, go through them.
💬 3. Get a Doctor’s Note
At Bella Vida TMS, we can provide documentation to support your request for medical leave or a flexible schedule.
Using FMLA for TMS Therapy
✅ What Is FMLA?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for medical reasons—including mental health treatment.
TMS therapy for major depressive disorder qualifies under FMLA if your provider deems it medically necessary.
📝 How to Use FMLA for TMS
- Talk to Your HR Department
Let them know you need leave for a serious health condition. You’ll receive an FMLA form to give your provider. - Bring the Form to Bella Vida TMS
Our medical team will complete it and return it promptly. - Submit to Your Employer
Once approved, your job and health benefits are protected while you receive treatment.
✅ FMLA Requirements
To qualify for FMLA, you must:
- Work for an employer with 50+ employees
- Have worked there for at least 12 months
- Have logged 1,250 hours in the past year
If you’re not eligible for FMLA, talk to us—we can still help you explore other options like flexible scheduling, short-term disability, or care coordination with your job.
What If I Work Remotely or Part-Time?
Many of our patients successfully complete TMS while working from home or managing part-time schedules. We offer early morning and late afternoon appointments to help fit your routine. Our staff will work with you to make sure treatment doesn’t disrupt your livelihood.
FMLA for TMS therapy
You shouldn’t have to choose between your mental health and your job. With flexible scheduling, FMLA protections, and compassionate support from Bella Vida TMS, you can pursue the care you need—without putting your career at risk.
📚 References
- U.S. Department of Labor – FMLA Guidelines and Fact Sheets
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Major Depressive Disorder Overview
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression - Mayo Clinic – Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625 - American Psychiatric Association (APA) – Depression Treatment Guidelines
https://psychiatryonline.org/guidelines - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – TMS Medical Necessity Criteria
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=374
