Explore your flexible counseling options and resources through the Optum Employee Assistance Program during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Counseling is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor; some people may like an in-person appointment, others may prefer the ability to email their counselor back and forth, or a virtual appointment over video chat might be the most convenient way for another to receive counseling.
By now you know Electric Boat offers eight free counseling sessions each year, for each member of your household, through the employee assistance program to support your mental health. If you are already seeking counseling, you may be eligible to apply these eight free sessions with your current counselor if they are in-network with Optum. Additionally, if you’d like to explore some of these flexible counseling options, keep reading.
Talkspace
Talkspace is a virtual mental health provider in the Optum network (both for the Employee Assistance Program and additional counseling) where you can set up virtual appointments with a counselor through video chat or choose text-based therapy services. Your EAP benefit includes eight virtual counseling sessions or eight weeks’ worth of text-based appointments at no cost to you. To access this benefit, call Optum for the EAP authorization code, 866-743-6551. Then head over to www.talkspace.com/connect and set up your account with that authorization code. Once you’ve registered online, you can download the Talkspace app on your phone through the App Store or Google Play.
Check out this video to see a step-by-step way to access this benefit.
Sanvello
Sanvello is a top-rated, self-help app that uses clinically validated techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective for individuals experiencing high levels of stress or symptoms of anxiety and depression. This app is a great place to learn more about mental health, healthy coping skills, track your mood, and learn about resources to support your mental health. The app is free and open to the public however, by accessing it through your Optum EAP benefits, you will have access to a premium version of the app that will unlock popular tools. Visit https://www.sanvello.com/referral/front-door/signup?company_code=11060 to register and then you can download the Sanvello app on your phone through the App Store or Google Play.
Check out this short webinar to learn more about Sanvello.
If you have any questions about the above, or any other benefits, please contact the EB Benefits office at 860-433-4201.
