Long-term unemployment damages mental health, and France Travail agencies see this every day. To respond to this, the institution relies on a network of around 980 occupational psychologists, almost one per agency, responsible for helping job seekers overcome the fear, shame or discouragement that is blocking their efforts.
According to the Europe-en-France website of the ministry responsible for European affairs, France Travail also launched the Parcours Emploi Santé system, co-financed by the European Social Fund to the tune of approximately 68.6 million euros between 2022 and 2023. Still according to this source, 14,600 advisors prescribed it and 14% of those registered were in employment eight months later, proof that psychological care is no longer marginal in the employment policy.
How France Travail occupational psychologists intervene
On its website, France Travail presents the use of an occupational psychologist as a free and voluntary service, in addition to monitoring by the advisor. Interviews, face to face or by videoconference, are confidential. Psychologists offer assessments, individual interviews and sometimes group workshops to strengthen self-confidence, motivation and relational skills.
France Travail explains that these meetings allow you to take stock of your career path, identify your strengths and difficulties, and clarify your training or retraining choices. For certain job seekers, often very isolated, these sessions also represent a first medico-psychosocial consultation, in a saturated healthcare landscape.
Health Employment Pathway: when health slows down the return to work
According to Europe-en-France, the Health Employment Pathway was designed after a 2021 survey on health obstacles, physical or psychological, which complicate support for the unemployed, particularly long-term. The system offers up to six months of follow-up with a global diagnosis, regular appointments and a final assessment accompanied by realistic professional prospects.
According to figures published by this same site, 14,600 France Travail advisors prescribed the Health Employment Pathway between March 2022 and December 2023 and 14% of participants had found employment eight months after their entry. For a vulnerable public, this result shows that work on health and psyche can relaunch a professional trajectory.
Psychologists from France Travail useful, but under tension
The Journal des Psychologues lists around 980 psychologists working at France Travail as of January 1, 2024 and mentions impeded work: shared offices which complicate confidentiality, pressure on activation objectives, arrival of digital tools like Chat FT or Match FT supposed to save time. In this context, these professionals must deal with limited resources while remaining a listening place where a job seeker can speak freely about their health, their fears and their future.