World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10, and this year’s theme is focused on “It Is Time To Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” Purdue University has been proactive in enhancing mental health and wellness for its community over the past six years. The university is continuously developing and improving resources, tools, and programs that align with the Healthy Boiler Program’s five pillars: behavioral health, financial wellness, physical health, social wellness, and work-life integration.
The behavioral health pillar emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and sharing resources to support faculty and staff facing mental health challenges.
At both Purdue and Purdue Global, the aim is to alleviate the stress often associated with seeking mental health support, enabling employees to go Beyond the Surface and obtain the help they need. This is facilitated through the university’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which offers free and confidential counseling to benefits-eligible employees and their dependents on a Purdue health plan.
The EAP provides quality counseling services, available both in-person and virtually, in a judgment-free environment where individuals can address their concerns. Initiating assistance is as simple as making a phone call to reach a trained professional ready to help with any issue.
Furthermore, after initial engagement with a behavioral health provider, employees can be referred to the Center for Healthy Living (CHL) for extended behavioral health support if necessary.
For Purdue Global employees, EAP services can be accessed through HealthAdvocate. However, it is important to note that Purdue Global employees are not eligible for services at the CHL and do not have access to the Healthy Boiler Program.
ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
To assist faculty and staff
Faculty and staff can access a variety of resources supporting the behavioral health aspect of the Healthy Boiler Program by reviewing the Mental Health Resources webpage, which also includes information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse.
To assist students
Faculty and staff who interact with students can guide them to the following resources for behavioral health support. United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR), the medical plan provider for students and graduate students, offers a network of 292 unique in-network mental health providers across various locations in Tippecanoe County. A complete list of these providers is available. Additionally, students can utilize HealthiestYou, which offers virtual access to mental health care as part of the UHCSR plan, with all services being free for students who are insured under UHCSR.
Office of the Dean of Students
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)