Availability of mental health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic

July 20, 2020

To:  Faculty, staff, and administrators
From:  Jeremy Hammond, Human Resources Director
Subject:  Availability of mental health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic

Thank you for your continued contributions to the University of Redlands during this unprecedented time. We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us all in different ways. The Human Resources Department wants to make you aware of the various mental health resources available to you and your family.

Health Advocate

Health Advocate is the University’s Employee Assistance and Advocacy Program (EAP). The EAP provides support for employees experiencing issues that affect both their personal and professional lives. It is a confidential, 24/7 service that provides employees with help related to stress, anxiety, depression, anger, family problems, substance abuse, grief, loss, and more. 

  • Support medical issues, from common to complex
  • Answer questions about diagnoses and treatments; research the latest treatment options
  • Find the right doctors within the network and make appointments
  • Coordinate the transfer x-rays and lab results
  • Research and arrange expert second opinions
  • Resolve insurance claims and billing issues
  • Negotiate medical procedures and bills not covered by insurance
  • Clarify tests and treatments to help you understand medical conditions.
  • Find local services for childcare, eldercare and adult day care
  • Research and locate legal specialists and financial counselors

**Available at no cost to employees, spouses, dependents, parents and parents-in-law.**

For more information, please visit: www.HealthAdvocate.com/members or call (866) 799-2728 or email answers@HealthAdvocate.com.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service, at (800) 662-HELP (4357) or TTY: (800) 487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year information service in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from a secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment. https://www.crisistextline.org/

Anthem

Behavioral health benefits are integrated into Anthem medical plans for a full spectrum of coordinated care for members. When you are stressed or when life becomes overwhelming, seeking help can help reduce or eliminate depression and anxiety and reduce an emotional crisis before it escalates. Log into Anthem’s website to find a doctor near you. https://www.anthem.com/find-care/

Anthem Plan Name:

HMO:  Anthem Blue Cross HMO (CACare) – Large Group

MVHMO:  Anthem Select HMO

HDHP:  Anthem Blue Cross PPO (Prudent Buyer) – Large Group

Anthem Mobile App - Sydney

The mobile app that is all about you, your plan, and your health care needs.  It connects your questions to answers — and you to the right resources. Using it is like having a personal health assistant in the palm of your hand. Available for both Android and iPhone. 

LiveHealth Online (Anthem)

An easy, quick, and convenient way to see a therapist, psychologist, or doctor.  If you are feeling stressed, worried, or having a tough time, you can talk to a licensed psychologist or therapist through video using LiveHealth Online Psychology. It is easy to use, private and, in most cases, you can see a therapist within 4 days or less. 

Not feeling well but unable to see your doctor?  With LiveHealth Online, you can see a board-certified doctor in minutes. You can receive medical care for things like cold and flu symptoms, allergies, sinus infections, and more. Use your smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera to connect. It is simple and easy, and if you need a prescription, they can send it directly to your pharmacy.

To make an appointment, call LiveHealth Online at (844) 784-8409, sign up at www.livehealthonline.com, or download the mobile app to get started. The cost for LiveHealth Online appointment is $20 under the Anthem HMO plan and $49 for the Anthem HDHP plan.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (800) 273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

County Services

Each county in the area has local resources to help with the wellbeing of employees and family:

San Bernardino County

https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh

For behavioral health services, please call the access line at (888) 743-1478. Local crisis services are also available by visiting https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/urgentcare/

Riverside County

Helpline is a program of Community Connect and is Riverside County’s leader in crisis intervention and suicide prevention and response. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or in crisis, please call (951) 951-686-HELP (4357) anytime, day or night. The service is free and confidential. 

24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care: https://www.rcdmh.org/

Riverside: (951) 509-2499; Palm Springs: (442) 268-7000; Perris: (951) 349-4195

Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) supports the wellbeing of County residents and communities. News and updates about COVID-19, civil unrest, and traumas may trigger anxiety, panic, frustration, and depression.
https://dmh.lacounty.gov/resources/

Call 24/7: (800) 854-7771

Orange County
https://www.ochealthinfo.com/bhs/

(866) 830-6011

Engage in Meditation

The Meditation Program, in collaboration with the Office of Alumni and Community Relations and the HR Wellness Program, provides employees with the opportunity to engage in meditation each week. Meditation helps with emotional wellness by helping you build skills to manage stress, increase self-awareness, reduce negative emotions, or help you gain a new perspective. 

The meditation sessions are on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. There are two classes remaining for the month of July, followed by a brief hiatus for August, with classes reconvening in September and through the end of the year.