Mental Wellness Resources
In today's stressful world, you may find you need some extra help from time to time. As a University of Idaho employee, you have multiple options for free and reliable mental health care.
Employee Assistance Program: In-Person or Telehealth Counseling
As a benefit-eligible U of I employee, you and your covered family members have access to up to eight confidential counseling sessions per issue per year—at no cost to you—through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Get professional help in-person or via telehealth for issues such as:
- Stress
- Depression and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Parenting and relationship challenges
- Drug and alcohol concerns
- Transition and change
You can access EAP services (including counseling referrals and a 24/7 crisis line) by calling 1-800-999-1077. Use company code UI1.
- Call the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 24/7 at 800-999-1077.
- The EAP will ask for your name and other basic information, including why you are seeking counseling. They maintain the same confidentiality as licensed counselors and you can be brief. Let them know if you have counselor preferences such as gender or time of day they are available, and if you are willing to receive counseling via telehealth. Telehealth can widen the availability of counselors because they don't have to be local.
- The EAP will provide you with the name and number of at least one counselor, as well as a short billing code. Either you or the EAP will provide that code to the counselor so that you won’t be charged for your sessions.
- Call the referral(s) and schedule an appointment. Sometimes the counselor’s schedule is full and they aren’t taking clients. If so, call the EAP again and get more referrals.
- At your first appointment with your counselor, provide the code from the EAP, if the EAP did not already provide it to them directly. Billing will happen automatically between the EAP and your counselor; you will not be charged or need to handle any paperwork.
- If you want to continue past eight sessions, you may use your insurance and be charged. You can talk with your counselor about their fee structure.
The EAP also offers legal and financial services, referral services and online seminars on a range of topics. Learn more.
TELUS Health CBT: Online Therapy Anytime, Anywhere
TELUS Health CBT (formerly known as AbilitiCBT) is an online cognitive behavioral therapy program available at no cost to benefit-eligible employees and family members. You will be paired with a professional therapist who will meet with you privately by phone or video. After an initial assessment, you can work through program activities at your own pace using the TELUS Health CBT web portal or mobile app, supported by regular check-ins with your therapist.
- You can access TELUS Health CBT anytime, anywhere. No need to drive to a therapist appointment!
- It's supported by expert therapists.
- It's convenient - you move forward at your pace. Plus you have access 24/7/365 to crisis line.
- It works. TELUS Health CBT has been proven to be highly effective.
Learn more and sign up. It only takes a few minutes!
U of I Resources
UI Mind is a resource program that introduces students, faculty and staff to mindfulness best practices and teachings them how to practice mindfulness in their daily lives. Join for a weekly drop-in mediation group and explore a variety of resources for mindfulness practice. Led by Jamie Derrick, a licensed psychologist, certified mindfulness teacher and associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychology and Communication. Visit the UI Mind website or Facebook page.
Are you struggling with a university-related issue? The Ombuds Office provides a confidential, impartial, informal and independent place to discuss university-related concerns, access information, clarify policies and procedures, discuss response options and get problem-solving assistance. Visit the Ombuds website.
In Crisis?
Get immediate support through one of these resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (previously the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
- Phone or Text: 1-800-273-8255
- Online Chat
Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline
SAMHSA National Helpline for Substance Use and Mental Health
- 800-662-HELP (4357)
- TTY: 800-487-4889
LGBT National Hotline
- Phone: 888-843-4564
M-F, 1-9 p.m.
Sat, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Pacific time