This interview is part of a DrexelNEWS’ recurring feature — “How Does It Work?” — spotlighting operational or administrative departments, teams or processes you might not know about, but who keep the Drexel cogs moving each and every day!
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Drexel University Senior Benefits Consultant Danielle McClellan answered some questions all about SupportLinc, Drexel’s Employee Assistance Program. Not only does the program provide best-in-class mental health resources, but it also includes a whole host of free services to help benefits-eligible faculty, professional staff, graduate students, retirees and their family and household members address the many challenges that work, life and relationships can bring.
Q: What is SupportLinc?
A: SupportLinc is a no-cost resource that Drexel University offers to benefit-eligible employees. This benefit provides professional guidance to address emotional health and work-life balance concerns for you and your immediate family members. The program also offers free legal consultations, financial consultations and referrals for childcare, eldercare and more. Please note, if you request additional services outside of the free consultations (six sessions per person, per year, per issue), fees may apply.
Q: What are some reasons a community member might contact SupportLinc?
A: SupportLinc can assist 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. Besides offering counseling services, Supportlinc has other great resources, such as referrals for home improvements, travel and adult day care, tip sheets on various topics and even informational videos on different topics like meditation and time management.
Q: How does the program work?
A: New users must create an account on the SupportLinc website using the code "drexel." Existing users can log in with their SupportLinc credentials. When you contact SupportLinc via phone (1.888.881.LINC) any time of day, any day of the week, you’ll speak directly to a licensed counselor. The intake process will include an experienced clinician gathering information about you and the nature of your concern. The counselor will then coordinate the most appropriate resources that best meet your needs. These resources can include scheduling short-term counseling with a local provider, work-life balance resources and/or referrals, or help finding treatment providers through your health insurance plan.
Q: What if I don’t want to talk on the phone? Can I access services another way?
A: Absolutely! In addition to calling SupportLinc, you can meet in-person or by video conference, as well as text, email or live chat a representative anytime. SupportLinc also offers digital group support, text therapy, emotional fitness coaching, digital behavioral health and a variety of self-serve toolkits, all of which can be accessed via the SupportLinc web or mobile app.
Q: Will Drexel know if I use the program?
A: Your consultations with SupportLinc are completely confidential unless you are in a life-threatening situation and action is needed to protect your safety. However, Drexel does receive utilization reports to gauge how many people are benefiting from the service. If you’ve had a great experience with SupportLinc and would be interested in sharing, we always welcome feedback by emailing support@curalinc.com. Also, once you engage with Supportlinc, you may receive a survey to share your feedback.
Q: Can you give an example of a time you’ve used and gained something from the program?
A: Yes! Recently, I logged into the portal and watched a short video course on time management. This course instructed me on how to plan, prioritize, schedule, and implement my work and life goals. The video was only 10 minutes long, and I was able to pick up on some useful tools.
Q: Where can I go or whom can I contact to learn more?
A: You can visit the HR website for more information, or contact the HR Service Center by emailing hr@drexel.edu or calling 215.895.2850. To use SupportLinc, call 1.888.881.LINC (5462) or sign up at supportlinc.com (group code: drexel).
If you are currently in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 800.272.TALK (800.273.8255), or the Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Line at 215.686.4420. If this is a psychological emergency and you need immediate attention, please dial 911, call Drexel Public Safety at 215.895.2222, or visit your nearest emergency room.