Reminder: Access to behavioral health resources available, information continues to be shared

Since 1990, Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) takes place the first full week of October to bring attention to the mental health conditions experienced by one in four Americans. Mental Health America has resources specifically dedicated to MIAW, including tips on navigating the unique life challenges that those living with mental illness encounter. Those interested can learn more at mhanational.org/miaw.

Behavioral health, as acknowledged via one of the five pillars of the Healthy Boiler Program, plays a key role in overall employee well-being. Regardless of how someone refers to it – behavioral health, mental health, emotional well-being, etc. – one thing is certain, it matters.

Purdue understands that raising awareness about mental health needs and ensuring that resources are readily available is an everyday necessity.

“Human Resources is continuing its long-term initiative to help ensure the Purdue community can learn about the variety of accessible resources, tools and more so that employees have the help, support and information they need,” says Candace Shaffer, senior director of benefits in Human Resources. “We remain focused on bringing mental health assets to the forefront while at the same time enhancing or pursuing new tools, programs, training opportunities and more to share with the Purdue community."

Human Resources has created a hub, which is featured on the Human Resources website, for these types of mental health resources. Via the Mental Health Resources webpage, employees will find a list of available resources, such as:

• Assistance now – crisis/immediate help.
• Apps and online digital resources.
• Community and national mental health organizations.
• Employee assistance counseling – for the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses.
• Newsroom archive.
• Suicide prevention resources.
• Telehealth therapy.

The newsroom archive includes links to the weekly Purdue Today articles, which focus on mental health-related topics. A sampling of those articles is below:

• 10 ways to care for your physical and behavioral health
• Looking for a way to reduce stress? Journaling might be worth a try
• Many resources available to help learn about, manage anxiety  
• Resources available to help understand, navigate relationship between anger, depression
• Talking about mental health is needed, encouraged; resources available to help
• Youth mental health among important back-to-school subjects; resources available

Additionally, the Mental Health Resources webpage provides 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.   

Be sure to check the Mental Health Resources webpage often as new information is added as it becomes available.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Faculty and staff can review the “Mental Health Resources” webpage for a variety of available resources, which support the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program, and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) — medical plan provider for students and graduate students — offers 292 unique mental health providers serving at various locations that are in-network with UHCSR within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan.   

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & 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 for students.