Mental Health Resources
No one person's mental health needs are the same, so we offer you many ways to access mental health services. We have services that you can access wherever you are comfortable, whether in the therapist's office, your home, office, a park, or wherever you have an internet connection.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and believes life is in danger, please call 911 (9-911 from a campus phone).
The following are 24/7 resources for an immediate response:
- Resources for Living: 888-238-6232 CR
- Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 855-278-4204 CR
- San Mateo County Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 650-368-6655 CR
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 CR
Privacy and Information Sharing
Professionals affiliated with Confidential Resources (CR) will gladly receive information about a person's well-being. Still, due to FERPA, HIPAA, or professional ethics, some resources, licensed health care providers, in particular, are often unable to provide reciprocal information regarding another. Not knowing can be frustrating, but it is an ethical and legal safeguard for privacy and confidentiality.
The following resources are available to all Stanford-appointed postdoctoral scholars. If at any time you need or want further assistance with these programs, please reach out to the Postdoc Benefits Office by email or phone at 650-724-9490.
A walk-thru guide of all mental health resources may help determine which resource is right for you.
The Postdoc Assistance Program, provided by Resources for Living
- 6 free sessions with a licensed therapist. If after your 6 free sessions, you want to continue care, you may continue with the same therapist at the cost of $5/session using your SHCA medical plan.
- Start by calling 888-238-6232
- Visit our dedicated web page for more information about the counseling services offered by Resources For Living
The Stanford Help Center
- 10 free sessions with a licensed therapist
- Request an appointment using this form
- For any questions, please email helpcenter@lists.stanford.edu
- Visit their site to see all their available resources
For time-sensitive requests, please call our office between 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday @ 650-723-4577.
Aetna's Behavioral Health Network thru your SHCA Medical Plan
- Find an in-network therapist using your SHCA medical plan. The cost is $5/session
- Depending on the therapist's protocol, sessions may be video/online only
- You can use Aetna's Directory to find a therapist OR
- Call SHCA Member Care Services for assistance in finding an in-network therapist. Their number is 855-345-7422, Mon - Fri, 6:30 am - 7 pm.
You may go out of network, but you will have to file your claim, and your costs will be much higher
Teladoc For Behavioral Health
- The cost is $0/session. All sessions are video/online only.
- See the same therapist for the entire length of care.
- Download the Teladoc app to get started (you must know your medical ID number)
- Visit our dedicated web page on the Teladoc for Behavioral Health program
Teladoc customer support can help you register your account over the phone. Call 1-855-Teladoc (835-2362)
Talkspace
- Online therapy with a dedicated, licensed therapist.
- Members can regularly message their therapist via asynchronous text, voice, or video, anywhere, anytime. Your therapist will respond within one working day, during their business hours, five days per week.
- Live sessions are available through the Talkspace app
- Not considered a crisis resource
- $5 per 5-day week of asynchronous messaging or 1 live session
Visit our dedicated web page for more information about Talkspace
Televideo Counseling Services by Aetna
- Meet with a therapist where you are most comfortable. All you need is a laptop/tablet and an internet connection.
- $5/session
Visit our dedicated web page on the Televideo Counseling services
Meru Health
- Online healthcare provider whose 12-week therapy program is clinically proven to reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and burnout.
- The program is 100% FREE to postdocs and their eligible dependents
- Visit our dedicated web page for more information about the Meru program
Brightline
- The first behavioral health solution designed specifically to support children and families with whatever tough stuff they're dealing with.
- Works with children starting at 18 months to 17 years old
- Create your personalized account at Brightline (be sure to have your medical ID card handy)
- For additional information, contact Brightliine Member Support at 888-224-7332 or email care@hellobrightline.com
- Visit our dedicated web page for more information on the Brightline program
Self-Help Resources
- #1 Sleep and meditation app. A unique 10-minute meditation each day
- Everyday mindfulness and meditation for stress, anxiety, sleep, focus, fitness, and more
Online Mental Health Screening
- There are free, anonymous screenings for depression, anxiety problems, eating disorders, and alcohol problems. This screening tool can help you decide if meeting with a therapist might be helpful.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- Aims to improve the lives of people living with mood disorders
- A free addiction resource to help those suffering from addiction. Before beginning any treatment, ensure the provider is in-network with your medical plan to receive the greatest savings in the cost of care. Call SHCA Member Care Services at 855-345-7422 for assistance with confirming a provider is in-network.
Other Stanford Offices to Support Your Well-being
- The Office of the Ombuds is available to all postdocs. All are welcome to discuss any concern that is interfering with their postdoc appointment. Contact Ombuds at (650)497-1542 or ombuds@stanford.edu CR
- Office for Religious Life offers pastoral care and spiritual guidance. Contact them at (650)723-1762
Contemplative Spaces on Campus
Click image to get a map of 10 most peaceful places on Stanford Campus