All faculty and staff have access to free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program and free professional wellness coaching on topics like stress management and financial wellness. Those employees enrolled in a Marquette medical insurance plan also have access to in-network mental health care providers and Teladoc for convenient and accessible virtual mental health support for just $10 per visit. Additionally, the Tria Health benefit can provide ongoing support to those with chronic mental health conditions that require medication.
This time of year, colder weather and less sunlight can have a negative impact on mental health. Decreased exposure to natural light can bring about physical changes that diminish one’s mental health, which can make it difficult to engage in activities like outdoor exercise. For many, the holiday season can cause additional stress, including emotional and financial worries. All of this can have a compounding effect on one’s mental health.
Employees and members of their immediate household can support their mental health by meeting with a professional counselor through LifeMatters, Marquette’s Employee Assistance Program. Eligible individuals can receive to up to six free, confidential counseling sessions, which can address and support a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, family problems, financial pressures and more. Employees and their family members can reach LifeMatters by calling (800) 634-6433, texting “Hello” to 61295, using the LifeMatters mobile app, or accessing their website (password: MU1).
Employees and their spouses also have access to free stress management-focused wellness coaching. More information and a listing of all the offerings can be found on the Health Coaching page.
For those on the Marquette medical insurance plan, instructions on how to search for behavioral health providers can be found here. Easily accessible virtual mental health visits are also available through Teladoc for those enrolled in one of the medical plans. Additionally, Tria Health’s chronic condition management program for mental health can also provide mental health support, particularly for those with a chronic condition that requires medication. Meeting with a Tria pharmacist can not only help ensure maximum effectiveness of prescribed medications, but also may also reduce participant cost on certain medications.
Financial concerns can be a significant contributor to low mental health this time of year. Those who want to improve their financial situation can work with a financial adviser for free through the Francis financial planning benefit. More information on this benefit can be found on the My Financial Health page.
If you need mental health-related crisis support or are worried about someone else, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988 or chatting online at 988lifeline.org.
