Employee Support, powered by Headspace
UT Southwestern has partnered with Headspace, a global leader in mindfulness, therapy, and employee assistance programs, to expand services previously offered by our Employee Assistance Program. This new range of services is available free of charge to all UTSW employees and their families, regardless of participation in a UT System health plan. You may incur an out-of-pocket cost (deductible, copay, etc.) if you choose to use a provider recommended by Headspace, such as virtual or in-person therapy or psychiatry.
Interaction through the Headspace app, phone, or website is completely confidential.
More information and answers to commonly asked questions can be found in the FAQ below.
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FAQ
- How does Headspace differ from our previous EAP?
UTSW has transitioned our internal Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to Headspace, a global leader in mindfulness, therapy, and EAP. We are partnering with Headspace to provide a "one-stop shop" for UTSW employees and their families to access care and resources where and when they need them most.
Different from our previous EAP, you now have access to mental health coaching, work-life resources, and a variety of wellness content all in one convenient app in addition to therapy services as needed. These comprehensive services are accessible 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, giving you the benefit of in-the-moment support.
- Why is this change occurring?
The change to Headspace gives UTSW employees a broader range of benefits compared with our previous program and will add new and progressive critical mental health and well-being support to the growing employee population at UTSW and their families.
- Is this the same Headspace that offers the mindfulness and meditation app?
Yes.
- Who is eligible to use Headspace?
UTSW employees and up to five family members, ages 13 and older, have access to the Headspace app for meditation and mindfulness exercises, text-based mental health coaching, and video-based therapy and psychiatry. Headspace can also assist with referrals for in-person therapy and work-life assistance.
While children ages 6-12 do not have access to Headspace coaching and in-app clinical services, engaging kids' content is available in-app for use with their parents or guardians. Headspace can assist you with an appropriate referral to meet your child's needs for in-person therapy. Call 855-420-0734 to speak to a clinician who can help you get started.
Please note that virtual or in-person clinical services (therapy and psychiatry) are billed through your insurance. Applicable deductible/copays will apply.
Students, interns, residents, and other affliates not employed by UT Southwestern are not eligible for Headspace through UTSW. Visit the links below for alternative support resources.
- Student Wellness & Counseling: Student Support
- Counseling & Support: Office of Faculty Wellness (Parkland and Children's)
- Do I have to be enrolled in the UTSW health insurance plan to use Headspace?
No. Text-based coaching, meditation and mindfulness, and work-life resources provided by Headspace are available to all employees and up to five family members (subject to the age restrictions outlined above), regardless of health plan enrollment.
- What is the cost to use Headspace?
There are no out-of-pocket costs for:
- 24/7/365 Employee Support Line
- 1:1 mental wellness, text-based coaching
- Meditation, sleep support, and mindfulness activities and guided courses
- Personalized referrals for therapy and psychiatry
- Personalized referrals to:
- Childcare resources
- Adult/elder care
- Legal services
- Financial services
- Critical incident support (unexpected employee death, workplace violence, societal events affecting the workforce, etc.)
- Workplace seminars
- Manager consultations
Employees and their dependents enrolled in UTSW health plans also have access to therapy and psychiatry through MD Live at no cost.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
You may incur an out-of-pocket cost (deductible, copay, etc.) if you choose to use a provider recommended by Headspace, such as virtual or in-person therapy or psychiatry providers. Virtual and in-person therapy and psychiatry sessions for health plan members and their enrolled dependents are billed through your insurance. When a therapist or psychiatrist is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, the session can be billed as an in-network claim with the member's health insurance carrier. The eligible member is responsible for copays/deductibles.
- What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
Coaching is a collaborative relationship in which you and your coach work together to identify constructive actions you can take to improve a skill or elevate your functioning in a specific area. Your coach will help you to identify wellness goals and create an action plan to reach them.
Different from therapy, coaching focuses on the present and what you want to accomplish in the future. Coaching is via private, in-app, text-based chats with your coach.
Therapy consists of sessions with a licensed clinician to treat mental health conditions that cause impairment, address ongoing psychological, emotional, or relational symptoms, and foster deeper exploration into past or present issues and how to resolve them. Headspace has therapists available for virtual sessions and can assist with finding in-person therapy.
- How are Headspace coaching services delivered?
Coaching occurs through text-based chat in the Headspace app and is available 24/7. Phone and video chats with coaches are not available. You can schedule a text-based coaching session in the app.
- Which languages are available?
Headspace's guided mindfulness and meditation programs are available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese. Specific content may vary by language. Text-based mental health coaching and video-based therapy and psychiatry resources are available in English, Spanish, and French. To change your preferred language in the app, tap "Profile" then "Account Settings."
In-person therapy, as well as work-life resources, are available in multiple languages.
- Do I get the same coach every time?
You will be connected with a lead coach for recurring scheduled coaching appointments. If your coach is not available, you can leave a note for your next session. Or, if you need immediate support, other coaches are available for in-the-moment support in between your scheduled sessions. Because Headspace coaches work collaboratively, they will have access to what you have been working on with another coach.
- Can I work with a Headspace therapist or psychiatrist without going through coaching?
Headspace coaches are trained to work with a wide range of situations, but in instances where members are looking for a higher level of care than coaching, virtual appointments are available. You can reach out to Member Support to schedule an appointment with a Headspace therapist or psychiatrist by clicking on "Chat with Support" on the Video tab after completing the onboarding process.
- How do I sign up for my Headspace benefit?
Visit the Headspace enrollment page to get started.
For general questions about your Headspace benefits, including how to get started, visit help.headspace.com or email teamsupport@headspace.com.
- Where can I find details on all the Headspace services available to me and my family?
As a Headspace member, you'll have access to the Headspace hub, our web-based resource center that includes details on all available Headspace services and how to access support. To access the Headspace hub, create your Headspace account. Once you've enrolled in the program, you can access the Headspace Hub by navigating to the Care tab in your app.
- What if I do not want to download the Headspace app?
Access via the app is recommended to get the full user experience. Guided content and coaching support are not available via the desktop dashboard. However, you may use your desktop computer for limited access using the company code UTSW or contact Headspace by phone through the Employee Support Line at 855-420-0734.
- What if I already have a Headspace subscription?
If you already use Headspace, you can easily link your existing account to UT Southwestern's Headspace account to take advantage of all the resources for free. Use the links provided in your UTSW email to verify your eligibility and your account for UT Southwestern's Headspace. You may then log in with your existing credentials. This will add you to our UTSW Headspace program.
- If I am enrolled in a Headspace family plan, will this affect my enrollment through UTSW?
If you are currently enrolled in a Headspace family plan, your family plan owner must remove you from the plan. Then, you can register your own account to link with our UT Southwestern Headspace program and take advantage of all the resources for free.
- Will UT Southwestern, my supervisor, or people I work with know that I'm using Headspace?
No. Headspace does not share any individual-level service usage or other private data with your employer. Headspace only provides summarized reports that are aggregated and anonymized to always preserve members' privacy. Only "big picture" information is shared, such as the total number of employees using the platform. Headspace protects your (and any family members using Headspace) confidential health and personal information in accordance with state and federal law.
- What are Headspace’s security and privacy policies?
Visit Headspace security and privacy policies.
If you have questions about how your data is handled or have a data security concern, you may security@headspace.com Headspace, Attention: Director of Information Security.
- Who do I contact at Headspace if I have questions about the Headspace program?
The Headspace Member Support Team is available to answer any questions you may have. You can reach out to Member Support through the app or teamsupport@headspace.com. Member Support teams are available through the app or email Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–1 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. (Central Time).
- Who do I contact at UT Southwestern if I have issues/concerns with Headspace?
If you have concerns about the service you receive from Headspace, you may contact the UT Southwestern HR Services Center by HR@utsouthwestern.edu or by phone at 214-648-9810.
Updated Jan. 31, 2024