At 51·çÁ÷, we understand that our employees’ mental health is just as important as their physical health. We provide a wide range of resources to help employees and their family members prioritize mental and behavioral health.
BRiDGES (315-697-3947)
BRiDGES EAP is a workplace benefit that provides assessment, referral, and short-term counseling to employees and immediate family members. Individuals who call the helpline receive up to five free sessions per issue per year with an EAP professional or confidential support.
BRiDGES is available by phone from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. In person, virtual and phone sessions are available.
If you need assistance after hours, call BRiDGES at 315-697-3947. You may leave a message, and your call will be returned during regular business hours. Evening appointments are available by appointment only.
HigherEd EAP (1-800-252-4555)
HigherEd EAP offers tools and services to help with problems that might affect your personal or work life. A few examples include: stress, elder care, grief, depression, mental health, and substance abuse issues. HigherEd EAP also provides a comprehensive wellness benefit designed to help your overall health and well-being, such as losing weight, improving nutrition, getting fit, stopping tobacco use, and reducing stress.
This benefit also provides personal and professional development opportunities, from training to one-on-one coaching in the areas of balancing life at work and home, effective communication, student debt, yoga and relaxation for beginners, certified financial coaching, and more.
To access the program, call 1-800-252-4555 to talk with a counselor who will help you develop an action plan to address your needs or to assist in finding a local provider.
You can also access online information at for resources and self-help tools. Click on the employee and family login link at the top of the page to create your account.
Excellus Behavioral Health Telemedicine (1-866-692-5045)
Everyone needs a little support now and then. But concerns over cost, access, and confidentiality can be a barrier to reaching out. Through Excellus’ partnership with MDLIVE, employees can schedule consultations with a psychiatrist or therapist.
Ways to Access Telemedicine Service
- Call 1-866-692-5045
- Text Excellus to 635483
- Download the MDLIVE app. Register/log in at ExcellusBCBS.com/Member.
Those enrolled in 51·çÁ÷'s health insurance plan have access to the telemedicine service. There is no copay for this benefit.
Madison County Mental Health Department Crisis Line (315-366-2327)
offers a crisis line 24-hours a day. You can call 315-366-2327 and press 1. During business hours, this line goes to office staff where clients may ask to speak to an available clinician. Individuals are also seen at the office on an emergency walk-in basis.
Questions
If you have additional questions about these benefits, contact Human Resources at benefits@colgate.edu or 315-228-7565.