Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of articles designed to help employees better understand and navigate their benefits.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — During Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Penn State Human Resources is reminding employees about how their benefits and resources can support mental health and well-being.
“We recognize the hard work and contributions our valued employees make each week to this University — all while balancing their commitments to their families and communities,” said Jill Musser, senior director of employee benefits. “Making sure our employees have access to resources to help them maintain balance, manage stress and anxiety and to provide help in times of crises is integral to our mission to create a culture of physical and mental health and well-being where everyone feels authentically valued and supported.”
SupportLinc
Penn State’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, SupportLinc, offers emotional well-being and work-life balance resources to help employees manage their lives at work and home.
Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, SupportLinc provides guidance to help employees address and resolve life’s challenges at no cost to the employee or their family. SupportLinc provides standard services such as short-term counseling and support, legal consultation, financial expertise and emotional fitness.
Updates have recently been made to the functionality of the web platform and mobile app to provide a more personalized and convenient experience. The updates include the ability to schedule appointments with providers directly through the platform and a new dashboard customized to each user’s needs.
All requests for information or assistance are free of charge and completely confidential. Contact SupportLinc 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 888-501-3532, visit www.supportlinc.com using group code "pennstate," or download the mobile app. Family/household members or Penn State employees not using single-sign-on should use group code "pennstate" to register for an account.
CuraLinc Healthcare’s anti-stigma campaign
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, CuraLinc Healthcare, which administers SupportLinc, is running its 1-in-5 Campaign to help break down the stigma around mental health.
One in five Americans suffer from a mental health disorder every year, according to the latest data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The “Start the Conversation” guide provides step-by-step instructions for how people can start mental health conversations at home, at work or in their communities. The campaign also offers a "flash course” video, which outlines how to recognize concerning signs and to offer resources to help others access support and treatment.
Well-Being Week playlist
All of the webinars held during Penn State Human Resources' Well-Being Week in April are available for employees to view at no cost at their own convenience on the “Well-Being Week 2026” playlist in Penn State’s Learning Resource Network.
There are more than a dozen videos on the playlist, with topics including managing mental health and finances, maintaining a work/life balance, understanding the stress response, and mindfulness practice for a joyful day.
Additional resources available to support mental, emotional, physical, financial, social and professional well-being can be found on the Health and Well-Being webpage on the Penn State Human Resources website.
Health Savings and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees may generally use Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds for eligible mental and behavioral health services when care is provided by a licensed professional.
Commonly eligible mental and behavioral health expenses include:
- Outpatient therapy or counseling
- In‑person or virtual therapy provided by licensed professionals (such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers)
- Psychiatric care, inpatient treatment, and prescription medications
- Behavioral health visits covered under the medical plan
- Related copays, deductibles, and coinsurance
Both HSAs and Health Care FSAs support mental health parity and affordability by allowing employees to use tax‑advantaged dollars to access needed care.
Visit HealthEquity’s website to read more about what services are considered qualified medical expenses.
Highmark
Highmark, Penn State’s insurance provider, also covers most mental health expenses. Under Penn State’s Lion Traditional Plan, the network deductible does not apply to mental health, behavioral health or substance abuse services. Those services are covered 90% with in-network providers after the deductible under the Lion Advantage HSA plan.
Visit Highmark’s Mental Health Resources website to learn about and search for different types of mental health treatment, relaxation techniques, get information about mental health organizations, or find a provider.
Highmark also has detailed webpages with information and treatment options for mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and eating disorders, as well as mental health resources for children and adolescents.
Anyone who thinks they or someone they know is having a medical or psychiatric emergency should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. Call or text 988 (TTY 711) or visit the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support.