Thrive Every Day, May 2024

May 14, 2024
Thrive At Princeton. Thrive Every Day. Make the Most of Your Princeton Benefits

May Events

Is Your Child’s Behavior a Sign They Are Struggling?, presented by Brightline, May 8, 1:00 p.m.

Breaking the Silence on Suicide: What to Know and How to Help, offered by Carebridge, May 15, 11:00 a.m.

Importance of Mental Health in Caregiving, offered by MSK Direct, May 15, 1:00 p.m. 

Mental Health and Me, with Health Advocate, May 16, 10:00 a.m.

Supporting Friends and Family with Mental Illness, offered by Carebridge, May 21, noon 

Coping with Stress, offered by Carebridge, May 23, noon 

Grief and Loss, offered by Carebridge, May 29, 1:00 p.m.

May Virtual Advice Sessions, with CAPTRUST, May 20 

Invest for Success, with TIAA, May 7, 2:00 p.m. 

Basic Estate Planning Strategies, with TIAA, May 16, 3:00 p.m.  

Retirement Readiness, CAPTRUST, Recorded Webinar

What You Need to Know This Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Help reduce the stigma of mental illness at home and at work by promoting open conversation and showing support and compassion. Stigma often prevents someone from asking for help or starting therapy. Delaying treatment can affect your relationships, cause physical health symptoms, and result in longer recovery times. Take a moment to give someone a compliment, offer to assist them with a task, or simply ask them how they are feeling. Equally important, practice self-care and give yourself grace when life gets messy. 

Make Mental Health a Priority

If you, or someone you care about is feeling depressed, anxious, hopeless, isolated, or dealing with addiction, Princeton has mental health resources to assist you and your eligible dependents. 

Tammy M. Fortson, Near Eastern Studies

“The pandemic was a mental health reality check, which caused me to seek guidance from HR. They provided support and directed me to Princeton’s wellness resources that made a huge impact on my life. I also learned to appreciate work-life balance which continues to help with my mental health journey. I encourage my fellow employees to ask for help since there are many benefits available to us.”

 — Tammy M. Fortson, Near Eastern Studies

Help is Available at Any Time

Carebridge, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provides 24/7 in-the-moment support and free confidential mental health consults. This benefit allows up to eight counseling sessions per issue, per covered family member. For assistance, call Carebridge at (800) 437-0911. Additionally, onsite Carebridge Counseling is provided at the Employee Wellness Centers at 350 Alexander Street. If you want to meet with a Carebridge counselor, schedule an appointment online. The typical wait time for an appointment is one to two weeks.

When Young Ones Need Support

Brightline provides virtual mental health support, therapy, and coaching for your covered children aged 18 months through 17 years. The Brightline team of licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists can assess, diagnose, develop a treatment plan, and provide medication management. Visits are covered at the same cost as in-network mental health visits under your plan. To get started, visit hellobrightline.com/princeton. For additional information, call (888) 224-7332 to speak with a Brightline team member about their services. 

For a Second Opinion on Your Treatment Plan

Feel confident about your mental health diagnosis and get an expert second opinion with 2nd.MD.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free and confidential emotional support to those in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 24/7, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. Dial or text 988 for immediate assistance.  

Financial Planning

  • TIAA offers individual retirement plan advice, either by phone, virtually, or in person. To schedule an advice session with TIAA, call (800) 842-2252 or make an appointment online. For a Spanish Speaking Advisor, call (800) 414-5180.
  • CAPTRUST is an independent investment advisory firm that provides free, confidential investment and financial advice to retirement plan participants. For information, including articles, videos, and other valuable resources, visit their website. To speak to a counselor about the University’s retirement plan and/or other financial issues, call the Retirement Advice Line at (800) 967-9948.
  • Isles is dedicated to helping people manage everyday money issues such as budgeting, saving, and reducing debt. Contact Isles at (609) 341-4740. Counseling is available in English and Spanish.
Employee Wellness Center with its three pillars: physical, mental, and financial

The Employee Wellness Center @ 350 Alexander Street is your place for in-person consultations. 

Schedule a free, confidential appointment with one of these resources:

Questions?

For questions about physical or mental wellness resources, contact Lynn Herbine. For financial wellness inquiries, contact Jane Edgar. The Benefits Team is available to assist at (609) 258-3302 or [email protected]. For complete details on all wellness resources and programs, visit the HR website.