Mental Health Resources

Signs of Crisis

Here are some key indicators to watch for — in yourself and others — that could signal an emotional crisis:

  • A clear and abrupt change in behavior
  • A loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
  • Withdrawal from social activities and relationships
  • A marked decline in work product quality
  • An abrupt change in routine, such as someone who was always early or on time becomes habitually late
  • An abrupt change in appearance, such as weight loss, weight gain or lack of hygiene
  • Dramatic mood swings, like anger, confusion, sadness, depression or anxiety
  • Frequent substance use, often to the point where it interferes with daily life

Source: American Psychological Association

Helping Someone in Crisis

If you see a loved one struggling, consider taking these actions:

  • Check on them. Ask privately: “You don’t seem quite like yourself lately. Is there anything you want to talk about?” Remind them you’re there to listen if they want to talk.
  • Just listen. Avoid any statements that may minimize their situation or feelings. It’s best to omit judgments and opinions altogether.
  • Encourage them. Without minimizing their experience, remind them that while things seem tough now and may even feel hopeless, the situation will get better. Reinforce that they’re cared for and valued.
  • Direct them to crisis resources. There are a number of crisis resources — both within the university and externally — available to anyone who needs help. It’s important to be familiar with these resources so you can point your loved ones or colleagues to them if needed.

Resources to Help

We all experience varying degrees of pressure, at work and at home. And depending on our emotional state, everyday tensions can become magnified: small concerns can feel like major problems, while bigger issues can seem like unsurmountable obstacles. Often in these moments, the best solution is to pause, take a breath and reach out for help.

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available 24/7, offers confidential individual, family, and work-related counseling. Appointments are available at no cost to you during and after work hours.

EAP specialists can help you cope with relationship problems, finances, health issues, substance abuse disorder, emotional and stress-related concerns, and more.

Telehealth

Telehealth allows you to meet, at your convenience, with a board-certified doctor through confidential, secure video chat or over the phone.

  • UAMS HealthNow. HealthNow provides telehealth services to all university employees and their dependents — you don’t need to be enrolled in a university medical plan. It’s a virtual urgent care option that allows you to get the care you need from the comfort of home. For mental health concerns, call HealthNow’s mental health hotline at 800-482-9921. The hotline is available 24/7 to help with a range of topics, including substance abuse disorder, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. If you're enrolled in a university medical plan, you'll pay your regular office visit copay for HealthNow. If you're not in a university medical plan, HealthNow will bill you directly.
  • Talkspace. If you are an employee who is enrolled in a university medical plan, you can access Talkspace — a mental health service that is available anytime, anywhere. Licensed therapists are available 24/7 to work with you via private messaging or live video sessions, whichever approach works best for your needs. To get started, visit talkspace.com/connect. In the “Select plan” drop-down box under Use my Insurance Benefits, select UMR, then Get started, and enter the required information. Further instructions, including intake questions, will be emailed to you before you can book your first session with a therapist. Note: You can use your HSA or FSA to help pay any balance that remains after your university Talkspace benefit has been applied.
  • In-network providers. Many of your current in-network providers offer telehealth services. If you need to make an appointment with your regular doctor, give them a call ahead of time to see if they have video- or phone-base offerings. You'll pay the same thing you would have paid for an in-person visit.

Learn more about telehealth benefits, including what you’ll pay, on the telehealth page.

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits

Your university medical plans cover inpatient services, residential treatment, day (partial hospitalization) treatment, and outpatient therapy services related to mental health treatment or substance use and dependency. Learn more about your benefits in the Summary Plan Description.

If you or a covered dependent needs help quitting smoking, review the information about tobacco cessation on the Wellness Program page.

Annual Leave

If you need time to recharge, consider taking some vacation. Even a staycation is a great way to rest up and return to work recharged. Review your annual leave benefits and explore your options with your supervisor.