January 19, 2022
‘One in Five’ campaign aims to normalize need for mental health resources, remove stigma
The latest data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that approximately one in five Americans suffers from a mental health disorder every year. With this statistic in mind, SupportLinc – the employee assistance program (EAP) for Purdue employees on the West Lafayette campus – created its “One in Five” campaign, which aims to normalize the need for mental health resources and remove the stigma for individuals who want to access care.
The campaign offers a variety of tools, which are available for use by all Purdue employees via the links below. Tools include:
- Start the Conversation flash course – A 10-minute video overview of the campaign.
- Start the Conversation Guide – Detailed, step-by-step guide to help reduce discomfort from talking about mental health needs and concerns.
- Self-assessment – A six-question quiz to help individuals decide if they should access additional mental health support.
- Mental health statistics – Highlight the prevalence and reflects the need to start the conversation.
- Tip sheets – Mental health information and coping skills for a variety of topics.
- Podcasts – Podcasts related to wellness, depression, anxiety, COVID-19 and reducing the stigma.
- Myths about mental health – Highlights myths and correlating facts.
- Mental health apps – A list of some no-cost apps available in the Apple App Store as well as Google Play.
Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act
As a reminder, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity ensures equal treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders in insurance plans. When a plan has parity, which all of Purdue’s health plans do, it means that if a person can have unlimited doctor visits for a chronic condition such as diabetes, then the plan also offers unlimited visits for a mental health condition such as depression or schizophrenia. In short, an individual’s health plan must treat mental health and addiction conditions the same as a medical condition.
Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders includes medication, office visits, testing, in-patient treatment and outpatient treatment. In addition, Purdue’s prescription coverage does not specifically exclude any drug categories for mental health.
In-person and telehealth visits are both covered as part of Purdue’s plans.
For more information, see the Purdue Today article “Treatment for mental health conditions, substance use disorders covered like physical illness.”
ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
The behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program advocates for integrated care programs that focus on behavioral health and community support. The resources above and below align with that mission.
To assist faculty and staff
Review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including EAP resources for all Purdue campuses, information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse as well as behavioral health referral locations for the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses.
To assist students
Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct students to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry services are also available to Purdue students who are covered on a Purdue health plan. Mental health visits through LiveHealth Online are covered at 100 percent on the Purdue student health plan.
Office of the Dean of Students
- Continuous Network of Support
- Services and information
- Presentations and trainings
- Student of Concern reporting link
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Therapy Services at CAPS
- Self-help resources
- Group Therapy
- CAPS YouTube channel
- NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
- Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country.
- WellTrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app.
Questions
Questions can be directed to Human Resources at 765-494-2222, toll-free at 877-725-0222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu.