Paid Leave Oregon Provides Up to 12 Weeks for Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment

National Recovery Month is sponsored by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to acknowledge recovery and the support systems involved. Andrew R. Stolfi, director of the Oregon Employment Department, emphasized the importance of accessibility to care, stating, “People should be able to get the care they need without a temporary health crisis becoming a permanent employment crisis.” He highlighted that Paid Leave Oregon assists workers in maintaining financial stability while seeking treatment.

Employees are entitled to take medical leave for their own serious health condition, with a health care provider determining if a mental health or substance use issue qualifies. Additionally, workers can utilize family leave to assist a family member facing a serious health condition.

Juan Serratos, director of Paid Leave Oregon, noted that treatment timelines can vary significantly. “Treatment doesn’t always fit neatly into a single block of time,” he said. Employees may require several weeks off or need to take individual days for appointments. The program grants flexibility to allow workers to take leave when necessary.

Qualified employees can receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave within a benefit year, either for their own health issues or to assist a family member. This leave can be taken in various increments, from full weeks to single days. Paid Leave Oregon also ensures job protection for eligible employees, allowing them the right to return to the same or equivalent position following their leave. This job protection addresses one of the significant barriers workers may encounter when taking time off for treatment or to care for loved ones.