Short- and long-term care options for mental health

posted by Amber Brady on May 10, 2023 Mental Health Awareness Month image

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a month dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding of mental health issues. Mental health challenges affect all of us, regardless of age, race, gender, position, or ethnicity. Some of us may go through temporary mental health struggles such as stress or anxiety, while others may face more prolonged battles like chronic depression or bipolar disorder. It’s crucial to know that as a State of Indiana employee, help is available for all kinds of mental health needs, and there is a range of support resources, including short-term counseling services, medication management, and access to specialized care providers for long-term management. Resources and benefits available to employees are broken down into two areas of care: short-term and long-term. 

Short Term Care: Optum EAP 

Stress and anxiety are a normal part of life and can be caused by various stressors, such as work deadlines, financial issues, or relationship problems. Experiencing stress over an extended period can lead to physical and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Life events such as a divorce or breakup, illness or injury, trauma, loss of a loved one, or caring for an elderly parent or small child over a prolonged period can trigger anxiety or depression. Anxiety or depression caused by these situational stressors can last days, weeks or even months. 

The Optum Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to support you as you navigate life’s stressors. The Optum EAP is a free service for all full-time state employees and those in their households and can be a critical tool to improve overall well-being. Calling the 24/7 hotline at (800) 886-9747 will immediately put you in touch with an experienced clinician that will help you get connected to counseling resources. Your call  is completely confidential. Through the Optum EAP you have access to: 

Long-Term Care and Management: State Employee Health Plan Coverage 

The goal of the EAP is to provide short-term support for life’s stressors and to get you on the path toward better mental health and well-being. If you need longer-term mental health treatment, support or medication, members of the state employee health plan have access to mental health coverage through their plan. Anthem can help you understand your coverage and find an in-network provider. You can connect with Anthem by calling (877) 814-9709, by going online to www. Anthem.com, or by using Anthem’s mobile app, Sydney.  

Anthem also has case managers to help you understand your condition, develop goals, connect you with resources, and help ensure you are getting all the benefits available under your health plan. These services are free to you as part of the Behavioral Health Resource Care Management Program.  Connect with a case manager by calling (844) 792-4151. 

For 2023 plan coverage information, see your health care Plan Summary here: 


Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues, and to encourage those who are struggling to seek help. The State of Indiana offers a variety of resources to support employees with their mental health needs, including short-term counseling services, medication management, and access to specialized care providers for long-term management.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please know that you are not alone, and that help is available.

Please reach out to Optum EAP at (800) 886-9747 (24/7 support) or call the INSPD Benefits Hotline at 317-232-1167 or (877)-248-0007 (toll-free), Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, for more information about the resources that are available to you.