Mental Health Care for Employees
Western Michigan University offers access to several resources for employees seeking mental health care. Sindecuse Health Center can be an important point of entry for WMU employees seeking care for a mental health concern. Health center providers see patients for many reasons related to mental health including anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue or sleep issues. While employees are advised to seek care with their primary care provider, the providers at Sindecuse are also ready to treat these concerns. Make an appointment online or call (269) 387-3287.
HelpNet Employee Assistance Program
WMU employees can access therapy resources with a call to HelpNet Employee Assistance Program. The service offers assessment, confidential counseling, and referral services to Western Michigan University employees, their dependents, and their household members. HelpNet counselors are professionals in dealing with marital and family issues, addictions, emotional problems, legal and financial concerns, careers, relationships, aging parents, stress, anxiety, depression, and life enrichment techniques. These services have been prepaid by Western Michigan University for all WMU benefits-eligible employees.
Benefits available through WMU-sponsored insurance
WMU employees with a Blue Cross PPO or HMO plan can access mental health care through Blue Cross. Both HMO and PPO plan participants have access to:
- AbleTo, an 8 week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program. Visit ableto.com/bcbsm and click 'Get Started' to select a therapist of your choice.
- Blue Cross Health & Well Being online resources, powered by WebMD. Log in to your account at bcbsm.org to start.
PPO plan participants may access an online visit with a psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, marriage & family therapist or licensed professional counselor. These therapy visits last 45 minutes and are subject to WMU’s online mental health visit benefit. A $25 copay is collected per visit. Ready to sign up? Visit the BCBS Virtual Care Visits page or download the BCBSM Online Visits app.
Employee wellness program
The Western Wellness program for employees at WMU offers programming on topics related to mental well-being and healthy habits. Employees enrolled in the program enjoy a reduction in their expected contribution to health insurance premiums.
Online resources
The WellTrack Boost app is available free of charge to all WMU students, faculty and staff. WellTrack users are able to assess their personal well-being and access resources tailored to address symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. WellTrack offers wellness techniques through videos, relaxation exercises, mood tracking tools, and written exercises to improve emotional health.
Other useful apps are listed at the Sindecuse Counseling and Psychiatric Services site. While counseling and psychiatry services are only offered to students at WMU, the apps listed can be accessed by anyone.