May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to refresh your knowledge of the resources you have as a University of Oregon faculty or staff member. Graduate and student employees can access mental health care through Counseling Services, part of University Health Services. 

Here are several places for faculty and staff to turn when you have emotional health concerns: 

Canopy 

Canopy offers free, confidential support for a range of issues including stress, work-life balance and emotional health. Services include short-term counseling and referrals to local care providers. Access Canopy’s services 24/7 by calling 1-800-433-2320, by texting 503-850-7721 or via the Canopy EAP app, available in the App Store and Google Play. 

PEBB medical insurance plans  

Our health insurance plans cover therapy, psychiatric services and telehealth options. Visit the UO Benefits Office website to find benefit summaries and provider searches for each PEBB plan (Kaiser, Moda and Providence). 

Other PEBB programs 

In addition to insurance coverage, PEBB’s plans come with a variety of on-demand and virtual mental health care programs. These can be helpful if you’re having trouble finding a local provider for in-person sessions, or if you prefer virtual or on-demand care.  

Providence and Moda offer virtual mental health programs for therapy with a remote provider, medication management and digital tools. And Kaiser plans offer free access to the Calm and Headspace apps. These apps offer guided meditations, sleep support and stress relief tools. 

You can learn more about PEBB’s mental health programs on the UO Benefits Office website. 

Paid time off 

Time away from work to focus on your personal needs, goals and projects is critical to staying well and engaged at work. Supervisors, please encourage employees to use their eligible time off, including the special day of leave and floating holiday. 

Supporting students 

University Health Services offers guidance for supporting students experiencing mental health issues, including suggestions for the classroom, and for handling students exhibiting disruptive or threatening behavior. 

Taking care of your mental health is something everyone needs to do. This month and throughout the year, you should feel empowered to use your employee resources to help. 

If you’re experiencing a severe mental health or substance use crisis, call 9-8-8 now for help.