The Behavioral Health Access Program (BHAP)

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Resources on this page are available for all employees, full & part time, their family and eligible retirees. If you have any questions or need assistance, email nina.taxis@copbfl.com.

About

BHAP was adopted to improve the overall wellness of our workforce, their families and our retirees. An important component of overall health is mental health and that is the focus of BHAP. This is a comprehensive program offering free mental health services to first responders and general employees, their family members living within the household and retirees. The BHAP program includes peer support, chaplaincy support, critical incident stress management, copay-free counseling sessions through EAP or Florida Blue, family support, and mental health education and resiliency training. In addition, the city offers free access to a Health & Wellness coach because exercise helps to promote physical wellness as well as mental wellness.

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Benefits may include:

  • A reduction in symptoms of post-traumatic stress
  • Quicker return to a productive functioning state
  • Increased job satisfaction
  • Reduced worker’s compensation claims
  • Reduced absenteeism
  • Reduced errors
  • Enhanced group cohesion
  • Increased personal confidence
  • Extended longevity

Extensive training is offered to employees to cover common mental wellness needs. Select employees will serve in a Peer Support position and are trained to know the signs and symptoms of stress, ways to create a positive work culture, and have knowledge of wellness policies. Peer Support Team members are trained to create a trusting environment where employees know that sensitive information is held in the strictest of confidence.

Leaders are encouraged to be accessible and open to supporting employees with mental wellness issues or concerns. In addition, they are trained to exercise empathy and concern for employees who divulge their mental wellness concerns and refer employees to support options within the BHAP program, including EAP, BCBS Clinicians and Chaplaincy.