World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10, with this year’s theme focusing on the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace. Purdue University has made significant strides over the past six years to enhance the health and wellness of its community, particularly regarding mental health. The university continues to expand its array of resources, tools, and programs aimed at overall wellness, aligned with the five pillars of the Healthy Boiler Program: behavioral health, financial wellness, physical health, social wellness, and work-life integration.
The behavioral health pillar emphasizes raising awareness and sharing resources to support faculty and staff facing mental health challenges. At both Purdue and Purdue Global, the mission is to alleviate the anxiety that often accompanies the process of seeking mental health support, allowing employees to go Beyond the Surface for help. This is facilitated through the Employee Assistance Program’s (EAP’s) behavioral health providers, all of whom deliver free, confidential counseling to benefits-eligible employees and their dependents enrolled in a Purdue health plan.
These providers offer quality counseling services, either in-person or virtual, in a non-judgmental space where individuals can address their issues. Initiating this support is as simple as placing a phone call answered by a caring professional trained to assist with any concern.
Once an employee connects with their designated behavioral health provider, they can be referred to the Center for Healthy Living (CHL) for ongoing behavioral health resources and support if necessary. It is important to note that EAP services for Purdue Global employees are accessible through HealthAdvocate, but these employees do not qualify for services at the CHL or have access to the Healthy Boiler Program.
For further mental health assistance, faculty and staff can explore the Mental Health Resources webpage, which provides a range of resources supporting the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program, along with details of Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse.
Additionally, faculty and staff interacting with students can guide them to valuable resources for behavioral health support. United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR), the medical plan provider for students, offers access to 292 in-network mental health providers across Tippecanoe County. A complete list of these providers is available for students. Furthermore, students can utilize HealthiestYou, which allows for virtual mental health care as part of the UHCSR plan, with all services being free for those covered by the insurance plan.
For additional support, the Office of the Dean of Students and Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) are also available resources for students in need.