For Release after Nov. 25, 2011
Fred Klopfer, Ph.D.
Professional Building, 224 West Coal Avenue
Gallup, New Mexico 87301
505-863-4046
www.galluptherapy.com

Special Q&A Program Focuses on Mental Health Issues in the Workplace

A trusted employee comes to work in a highly agitated mood. He or she gets into arguments with co-workers, and today’s behavior is unique.

As this person’s supervisor or boss, you realize the problem might escalate if you do not intervene; the workplace could become unsafe. So what should you do?

Gallup and regional employers will have a unique opportunity to spend time with “someone you can talk to” about such mental health issues in the workplace during a free program set from noon until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, taking place in the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce board room.

The “someone” is Fred Klopfer, a licensed psychologist and a Chamber member, who is set to open a private psychology practice in downtown Gallup on November 26. Both a social and a clinical psychologist, Klopfer has spent over 35 years treating adults and children as well as managing social workers and psychologists in various treatment centers and agencies, most recently in Iowa, before moving to New Mexico.

“The floor will be open for questions on mental health in the workplace, and I hope to be challenged with a variety of issues – perhaps from addictions and bullying to workplace violence,” Klopfer said.

Today’s employers are often faced with mental health problems to solve ranging from how to work with agitated employees to recognizing when an employee is deeply depressed, and perhaps suicidal. Other times, they must deal with employees who have addictions or may be going through a divorce or other life-changing event.

“With budget cuts and rising cost of health insurance, those who are affected by mental illness are often not able to afford – or even find—the mental care they need. This becomes a problem for employers who need to keep their employees healthy and functioning, and who must ensure a safe workplace for all,” Klopfer said.

-END-