Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental Health Resources

Resources Available to Employees:

  • Crisis Hotlines
  • Lifeworks with MetLife Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Resources Available to those Enrolled in the City of Grand Forks Plan Administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND:

  • Therapists and Psychiatrists
  • Telehealth – Amwell
  • Additional Resources

If you or someone you know is facing a crisis, use these resources:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Substance Use Treatment Helpline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Sexual Assault Hotline

Veteran’s Crisis Line

Disaster Distress Helpline

OK2Talk Helpline Teen Helpline

North Dakota Behavioral Health Services

If this is an emergency or you think you may harm yourself, please call 911.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.

Why is mental health important for overall health?

Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness.

How common are mental illnesses?

  • More than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.
  • 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.
  • 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
  • 1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

Adolescence is a time for young people to have a healthy start in life. The number of adolescents reporting poor mental health is increasing. Schools and parents can create these protective relationships with students and help them grow into healthy adults.

Why is this a big deal?

Poor mental health in adolescence is more than feeling blue. It can impact many areas of a teen’s life. Youth with poor mental health may struggle with school and grades, decision making, and their health. Mental health problems in youth often go hand-in-hand with other health and behavioral risks like increased risk of drug use, experiencing violence, and higher risk sexual behaviors than can lead to HIV, STDs, and unintended pregnancy.

What Parents and Families can do:

  • Communicate openly and honestly about your child’s values.
  • Spend time with your child enjoying shared activities.
  • Become engaged in school activities and help with homework.
  • Communicate regularly with teachers and administrators.

All employees and their families have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Empathia’s Life Matters. This no-cost, confidential assistance is available to you and your dependents and provides access to resources such as three free counseling sessions or a referral to an attorney, care provider, or community resource.

The EAP can help you locate referrals to resources for providers in your community. Consultations with an EAP provider include the following and more:

  • Depression
  • Grief and Loss
  • Anxiety
  • Managing anger
  • Separation/Divorce
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Workplace conflict
  • Performance Issues
  • Violence
  • Harassment
  • And More…

How to Access:

All assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with confidential support, guidance, and resources. Call 1-800-634-6433 or visit https://members2.mylifematters.com/portal/welcome/sso

Available to:

All City of Grand Forks employees and their families.

Cost:

Calling our EAP is free, including up to 3 counseling sessions per situation and access to online content.

Occasionally, services beyond those covered by the EAP will have a cost, and any costs associated with a service will be fully explained.

Visit the Employee Assistance Page here to learn more. 

Use the BCBSND portal to find a mental health professional that meets your preferred criteria. In the portal, you can find in-network doctors near you, compare costs, and more.

How to Access:

Visit BCBSND.com and register or login with your member ID card.

If you prefer, you can call the number on the back of your ID card for assistance Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Available to:

All City of Grand Forks employees and dependents enrolled in a health plan with BCBSND.

Cost:

Please refer to the Summary Plan Description.

Amwell is a virtual telemedicine company, offering employees live, secure, HIPAA-compliant, on-demand, and scheduled video visits with U.S.-licensed providers and most importantly available to you 24/7!

Amwell’s team of experienced, licensed psychiatrists and therapists are available 7 days a week, from the privacy of home. They can help with:

Conditions:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Postpartum
  • Relationships
  • Trauma and Loss
  • Screenings
  • Insomnia

How to Access:

Visit https://patients.amwell.com/

  • Download the mobile app.
  • Sign up and enter the service key BCBSND.
  • Access providers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Available to:

All City of Grand Forks employees and dependents enrolled in a health plan with BCBSND.

Cost:

Costs may vary by provider and service. Please contact Amwell or BCBSND’s customer service for cost estimates.

Which mental health professional is right for me? There are many types of mental health professionals. Finding the right one for you may require some research.

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • School Psychologist
  • Clinical Social Worker
  • Licensed Professional Counselor
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor
  • Nurse Psychotherapist
  • Marital and Family Therapist
  • Pastoral Counselor
  • Peer Specialist
  • Other Therapists
  • Psychiatrist
  • Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
  • Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Additionally, your Primary Care Physician, Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner (depending on your state) are often qualified to provide medication.