The Clinical Care Access Pilot program (CCAP) reduces financial barriers to mental health care for sworn and non-sworn full-time CMPD employees. It’s made possible by a grant from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation.
“If you’re on a high-deductible healthcare plan, the cost to see a therapist could be more than $100 per session if you haven’t met your deductible,” says Ashley Higgins, senior behavioral health specialist in CMPD’s Office of Employee Wellness. “That’s cost-prohibitive for many people.”
CCAP was created to offset these expenses. It covers fees related to insurance copays, deductibles and counseling services not covered by personal or departmental insurance.
The process is simple: CMPD employees submit a bill to the Office of Employee Wellness after each therapy session or inpatient treatment. The clinical team takes the paperwork from there, and the employee receives a reimbursement check in the mail.
Deputy Chief Zerubabel Chickoree leads the Learning and Wellness Services Group, which oversees the Office of Employee Wellness. He experienced the benefits of therapy firsthand when he sought help to navigate a divorce many years ago.
“The strength of this police department is built upon the wellness of the officers,” he says. “If you’ve never had a checkup with a mental health professional, maybe it’s time to do it. Therapy is a pathway for you to build a stronger mental resilience.”
The CCAP maximum reimbursement for outpatient treatment is $2,600 per person, per year. For inpatient treatment, the maximum reimbursement is $6,000 per person, per year.
Additional details to know about the program:
- Reimbursements will be considered for treatment costs incurred after Feb. 1, 2024.
- Requests can be submitted once per month.
- Reimbursement requests must be submitted within 60 days of invoice or service.
- Employees must submit copies of receipts as proof of services rendered.
Q&A WITH ASHLEY HIGGINS FROM THE OFFICE OF EMPLOYEE WELLNESS
CMPD’s Employee Wellness Clinical Team provides psychological services, including consultation, brief intervention and referral services, for CMPD employees.
We recently sat down with Ashley Higgins, the team’s senior behavioral health specialist, to learn a bit more about the group and the services it offers.
What is the mission of CMPD’s Office of Employee Wellness?
We enhance the well-being of all CMPD employees. We take a holistic approach, understanding that wellness encompasses the mind, body and spirit.
Through various programs such as peer support, chaplain services and our clinical team, we aim to provide comprehensive support to address the diverse needs of our employees and promote their overall health and resilience.
What drew you to your position with CMPD?
I’m deeply passionate about supporting the incredible individuals who tirelessly serve and protect our communities. Throughout my 10 years in the mental health field, I’ve discovered immense joy in helping those who dedicate their lives to assisting others.
In the past five years, I’ve focused my efforts on closely collaborating with first responders, understanding the unique hurdles they encounter and the significance of prioritizing their mental well-being. This role allows me to continue my mission of offering invaluable support to those on the front lines, ensuring they receive the care and resources necessary to thrive in their demanding profession.
Tell us about the Office of Employee Wellness team.
Our team is truly remarkable. It includes dedicated individuals whose collective efforts ensure the success of our programs.
On the clinical side, I work alongside Shannon Slauson, a talented licensed marriage and family therapist. Supporting us are Lieutenant Amy Wheaton, who oversees the peer support program. She has played a pivotal role in launching CMPD’s flagship wellness program, StruggleWell. Lieutenant Daniel Meyers oversees the chaplain program. He is a strong advocate for wellness within the department.
Together, the four of us work closely, collaborating to balance clinical expertise with practical and logistical considerations in promoting mental wellness.
Deputy Chief Chickoree heads our team. His leadership has propelled our efforts to bring new and improved wellness support to the department at an impressive pace. It’s truly an honor to be part of such an exceptional team.
What do you want people to know about the Clinical Care Access Pilot program?
The Clinical Care Access Pilot program, or CCAP for short, aims to eliminate financial obstacles to mental health care for all CMPD employees. The process is confidential and can be initiated by contacting the Office of Employee Wellness to schedule an appointment with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Shannon Slauson or myself.
For more information about the Clinical Care Access Pilot program or other CMPD employee wellness benefits, call (704) 432-6067 or email officeofwellness@cmpd.org.
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