Access to Counseling for IAFP Physician Members
The IAFP Physician Vitality Program is available as a member benefit for physicians, medical residents, and retired members. Utilizing Ada County Medical Society’s (ACMS) counseling network, IAFP offers up to five appointments per 12-month period at no cost, starting from your initial visit.
How it works
- Visit www.physicianvitality.org
- View profiles of contracted mental health providers and select one that suits your needs.
- Contact the provider directly and identify yourself as a member of the Idaho Academy of Family Physicians.
- Review program guidelines and informed consent forms on the website before your first appointment.
When You Need a Safe Place to Talk
The Physician Vitality Program provides confidential access to mental health providers for licensed medical association members because:
- You want to provide the best care for your patients that you can.
- You want to be present for your family, friends, and colleagues.
- You want to optimize your career and life.
Your Confidentiality Is Our Top Priority
- No notice is given to your employer or the Board of Medicine/Nursing
- No insurance or EAP billing is involved
- No medical societies involved in offering this program learn of your utilization
- You make appointments directly with our contracted mental health providers
- You can choose from telehealth or in-person visits
Designed for You by Your Peers
- Competent – Idaho Physicians interviewed mental health providers with a reputation for assisting healthcare professionals in addressing common issues like depression, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and burnout.
- Convenient – You can typically make appointments within a week or two through a couple of calls or emails. Hours vary by providers, including some weekend and evening time slots available via telehealth and in locations throughout Idaho.
- Cost-free – this benefit is designed to get you over the hump of seeking help without thinking about initial monetary costs. If you wish to continue treatment beyond this, you can discuss payment arrangements directly with the provider.
PVP Coaching Services (for ACMS Members)
New in 2026: Certified Professional Coaching is now a permanent feature of the Physician Vitality Program for those who have concurrent Ada County Medical Society membership. Trained coaches work with the physician/APP to help clarify self-identified goals, uncover obstacles, and develop strategies for moving forward on priority issues.
The PVP Coaching service is currently available only those who have Ada County Medical Society (ACMS) membership; retired members and medical students are not eligible.
Coaching shares the same five (5) hour annual limit with the regular PVP psychotherapy services. However, a free introductory Meet & Greet session is available and recommended for you to meet with a coach to see if it is a good fit for your needs.
For more information about coaching, click here.
Learn more about the program and make an appointment by visiting www.physicianvitality.org.
If you are having trouble finding a mental health provider, call or text anonymously (415) 787-2267.
“Until COVID, I hadn’t really realized how much of a barrier it was for me to make a physical appointment, but the reality of arranging for childcare, finding space in your day to drive to, be present for and then drive home from a live appointment was often overwhelming and during pandemic time- impossible. Having access to phone and virtual mental health appointments through the physician vitality program has honestly been a game changer.” – Molly McCormick, DO, Family Medicine, Boise