Beyond the Surface: What to expect from Purdue’s behavioral health services

Editor’s note: This article is part of Beyond the Surface, a series and new call to action to normalize mental health struggles and prioritize mental wellness. Beyond the Surface also aligns with the Healthy Boiler Program’s behavioral health pillar, which advocates for integrated care programs that focus on behavioral health and community support. Information will continue to be shared via email, Purdue Today and future Healthy Boiler newsletters on Beyond the Surface.

Relationship conflict. Parenting issues. Loss of a loved one. Stress. Substance use. Low self-esteem. Anxiety.

Licensed counseling professionals can help you address all of these things. But people get often stuck before they’ve even asked for help. They’re not sure what to expect, and the idea of reaching out begins to feel as stressful as the situation itself.

At Purdue, the goal is to relieve employees of that stress, so they can go Beyond the Surface and receive help. That’s possible through the university’s behavioral health providers — all of which offer free, confidential counseling for benefits-eligible employees and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan:

• West Lafayette: SupportLinc
• Northwest: New Avenues
• Fort Wayne: Bowen Center
• Purdue Global: HealthAdvocate

These providers offer quality counseling (in-person or virtual) in a neutral environment where individuals can work through issues without judgment. And getting started begins with a phone call — answered by a caring professional trained to help, no matter the issue. 

What to expect when a call is made to a behavioral health provider

Step 1: Individuals call the behavioral health provider associated with their campus.

They’ll speak with a trained professional who will guide them through the conversation, asking questions about:

• Their concerns
• Any symptoms they’re experiencing (i.e., anxiety, lack of sleep)
• Duration of concerns/symptoms
• Prior care received
• Personal safety
• Needs and preferences for a counselor

Step 2: Referral is received.

Within 24 to 48 hours, individuals will receive a referral to a counselor with confirmed appointment availability. Referrals will be aligned with individual needs and preferences as discussed on the initial call. If desired, callers can receive help scheduling the initial appointment. (Note: Requests for specific provider criteria may result in a slightly longer wait time for an initial appointment.)

Step 3: Begin short-term counseling.

The first appointment generally happens within three to five days of the referral. During the first appointment, the counselor will spend time getting to know them and determining goals for the therapy. After the first appointment, individuals can schedule follow-up appointments directly with their counselor.

Common questions about Purdue’s behavioral health services

1. Is it really confidential?

Yes — when individuals call one of Purdue’s behavioral health providers, they will have the same privacy and confidentiality as they would with any other medical appointment. Even though the service is provided through Purdue, no one at the university (including HR or the individual’s manager) knows about the request for services (even if it’s a work-related issue).

2. What if I don’t know what to say?

Individuals don’t need to know exactly what to say or what to ask — the counselor will guide them with questions.

3. If I receive counseling and need medication, can my counselor prescribe it?

No, medications can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist or physician. The counselor can make recommendations for a provider in their area who can assess them and prescribe medication.

4. When are the behavioral health providers available?

All providers are available 24/7/365 to offer support and provide immediate telephonic support.

5. What types of problems can they help with?

The licensed counselors can help with a variety of common concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, grief and loss, alcohol or substance abuse, anger management, work-related pressures and more.

6. How many counseling sessions are offered?

Up to six counseling sessions are available (per person) through the university’s behavioral health services at no cost.

7. Are both in-person and video counseling offered?

Yes. During the initial call, individuals can discuss their preference and which option is best for them.

8. Other than counseling, what services are available to help me?

Services vary by provider but may include emotional fitness coaching, financial counseling, child care referrals, digital behavioral health and a variety of self-serve toolkits.

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Faculty and staff can review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse.  

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) — medical plan provider for students and graduate students — offers 292 unique mental health providers serving at various locations that are in-network with UHCSR within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan.    

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country
• TAO – web- and app-based mental health resource for students