Frequently asked questions about MAP and the UFT Mental Health Helpline

What is the Member Assistance Program (MAP)?

The UFT's Member Assistance Program is a union-based program providing free, confidential and voluntary services to all in-service UFT members. Our staff are licensed mental health professionals who specialize in working with NYC school-based staff and other union members. MAP supports its members through clinical assessment and consultations, support groups and professional development workshops. We can assist members with resources, referrals, and general navigation through a wide range of union services.

What is the UFT Helpline?

The UFT's Member Assistance Program has teamed up with Vibrant Emotional Health to provide vital mental health support whenever a UFT member or their families are in need. Our 24/7 dedicated mental health support line is available 365 days a year in multiple languages. Union-trained counselors can offer immediate help to members and their families who are in crisis, experiencing emotional distress, in need of mental health resources or a referral.

Call or text the UFT Mental Health Helpline at 866-UFT-FOR-U (866-838-3678) for free and confidential assistance. A chat is also available on the Helpline web page or by clicking the blue chat icon located throughout the MAP site.

You will be asked for your UFT ID number to verify your union membership (see how to find your UFT member ID number). All calls are free and confidential. Learn more about the UFT Mental Health Helpline »

Who does MAP serve?

All in-service UFT members.

Who does the UFT Mental Health Helpline serve?

All UFT members and their families. You will be asked to verify your membership with your UFT ID number.

What services does MAP provide? When should I call MAP?

For non-urgent situations when you can wait up to 48 hours for a call back from the MAP Program.
When you need to speak with a licensed clinician for a confidential and voluntary consultation assessment.
If you’re seeking a psychiatric consultation and assessment with our nurse practitioner.
For information on our various support groups and workshops (for both in-service members and retirees):
Grief & Loss: Members come together to share in their bereavement and how it impacts their work life as an educator.
Building Better Habits: A virtual wellness support group where members learn ways to understand what’s holding them back from building better habits and establish a plan to keep them on track towards achieving their goals.
Managing Anger: Members will learn to identify emotional triggers that can make us feel angry, and healthy coping skills to manage those feelings.
Take Charge of Your Emotions: In this four-week virtual group, you will learn the basics of mindfulness, understanding and regulating your emotions and how to apply these skills in your everyday life.
Seasonal Self-Care: Members will meet weekly to delve into the different areas of wellness, offering practical tips, strategies and support from our licensed clinicians.
If you are a new educator, we provide information and well-being support for new members in collaboration with other union departments through our New Educators’ Initiative, which includes the following resources:
Partners Through Experience: A voluntary program that pairs a new teacher with a recent retiree for support.
Brewing Wellness Podcast: Mental health professionals and educators share information in areas such as creating welcoming schools, classroom management, nutrition and other relevant school-related topics.
If you are a UFT social worker, school psychologist or mental health counselor seeking New York State continuing education credits: as a union member, you have firsthand access to an array of clinical courses (both discounted fee-based and free) to help enhance your work with students.
If you would like to attend professional development workshops and conferences related to substance use disorders and topics related to mental health.
If you are seeking onsite counseling because of a school crisis in conjunction with the UFT/DOE's Victim Support Program.
Referrals for:
- mental health counseling
- substance use treatment: assessment, referral, and pre-authorization for insurance approval.
For information on our other programs and services.

What services does the UFT Mental Health Helpline provide? When should I call the UFT Mental Health Helpline?

For immediate help 24/7, in multiple languages.
When in need of mental health assistance after normal business hours, on weekends or on holidays.
Finding someone to speak with, in the language you feel most comfortable in, to help manage life’s challenges.
Getting immediate services at hospitals and mental health agencies within the five boroughs.
To speak with a counselor who can help you with de-escalation of maladaptive and dangerous thoughts, emotional feelings and distress, and resources and referrals.
Crisis intervention and assistance during a psychiatric emergency.
Referrals for substance use treatment centers that have partnered with the UFT Member Assistance Program.
Referrals for ongoing mental health services through your insurance plan.

Can I call the UFT Mental Health Helpline instead of the UFT Call Center?

If your call is mental health related, yes! If your call is related to other union-related inquiries, no.

Please call the UFT Call Center at 212-331-6311 for any non-mental health related inquiries – including information about leaves, pension, salary or grievances. If these situations are causing you stress, the UFT Mental Health Helpline can provide mental health support, and then will direct you to the UFT Call Center to assist with the specifics of your situation.

Will the information I tell the UFT Mental Health Helpline go back to my school or my principal/supervisor?

Both MAP and the UFT Mental Health Helpline are confidential services. Exceptions to confidentiality only occur if you are at imminent risk to yourself or others.

Is there a fee to use the UFT Mental Health Helpline?

Contacting the UFT Mental Health Helpline is free of charge as a benefit of being a UFT member. The cost of services by external providers that the helpline may refer you to is based on various factors. Please check with your health insurance provider for information on your benefits.

How many times a year can I contact the UFT Mental Health Helpline?

There is no limit to the number of times you can use the UFT Mental Health Helpline. Please note that the helpline is not a substitute for long-term counseling and you are not guaranteed to receive the same counselor every time you call.

Where is MAP located?

Our address is 52 Broadway, 9th Floor, New York, NY, 10004.

How do I contact MAP?

By phone at 212-701-9620 or by email at map [at] uft [dot] org (map[at]uft[dot]org).

How do I contact the UFT Mental Health Helpline?

Call 1-866-UFT-FOR-U (866-838-3687) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.