Support Resources

Carnegie Mellon faculty and staff members have access to a number of resources to help cope with the ongoing strain of the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing to return to in-person work.

Employee Assistance Program

Faculty and staff — and their household members — have access to CMU's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provided by GuidanceResources.

• Coronavirus Toolkit — This collection of resources includes guides on returning to work and staying healthy at work, as well as webinars, COVID FAQs and a guided meditation.
• On-Demand Learning Library [pdf] — Access learning opportunities on a variety of timely topics.
• Counseling, Consultations and Online Resources — Use the EAP to access complimentary, confidential counseling sessions and phone consultations as well as online resources to support your emotional health.

Care@Work

Eligible individuals can use the Care@Work program through Care.com to find backup emergency care for children and adults. The program also includes a free membership to perform self-directed searches for a variety of caregiving needs.

• Equal Parts — A series of podcasts for working parents who are trying to balance home and work life
• Ensuring a Successful Return to Work & School — This webinar presents a framework about how to think about the "new normal" of returning to school and on-campus work, planning tips, and how to divide household duties so the mental load feels equitable and manageable. 
• LifeCare Family — This service, available through Care@Work, offers 24/7 access to care specialists who provide personalized assistance with your parenting, child care and elder care related needs. They can assist the search process and narrow down the field of caregivers to best meet your family's needs. 

CMU Health Plans: Mental Health Support and Services

Employees who participate in a CMU health plan can access mental health resources through their carrier.

• Aetna HMO (L95 Plan) — Contact the Health Concierge team at 800-835-8742 to be directed to behavioral health services. Members can also access mental and emotional health support by using the Aetna member online portal to log in to the behavioral health member site with your Member ID or Social Security number.
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield — Contact the Member Service at 800-472-1506 (members in Western PA) or 800-810-2583 (members outside of Western PA) and request to speak with a behavioral health specialist for plan guidance and/or authorization of any mental health or substance abuse services. Members can also access programs and services through Amwell; create an account using your member ID for virtual or telephonic support.
  • Learn more about Highmark mental health resources [pdf] and Amwell virtual visits [pdf].
• UPMC Health Plan — Contact UPMC Behavioral Health Services at 888-251-0083 for plan guidance and/or authorization of any mental health or substance abuse services. Members can also access programs and services through the Behavioral Health Management Program.