Chico State employees have access to LifeMatters(opens in new window) – a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by Empathia. In response to COVID-19 and the west coast wildfires, they are offering specialized services and information to help our employees keep the “well” in our wellbeing.
Please check the resources below for options. It could make the difference for you, a loved one, or a co-worker. As a reminder, EAP services are confidential. Contact the program (LifeMatters by Empathia) directly using the information below.
Jump to:
Group Sessions
The University is hosting group sessions for faculty and staff affected by the wildfires, led by an experienced counselor.
Wildfires Support Group
Group counseling sessions are offered for staff and faculty members experiencing an emotional impact by wildfire. The group can offer support and useful information for steps to recovery.
- 9/22/2020 (Tuesday), noon-1 p.m., via Zoom
- 10/6/2020 (Tuesday), 4-5 p.m., via Zoom
- 10/20/2020 (Tuesday), noon-1 p.m., via Zoom
- 11/2/2020 (Monday), noon-1 p.m., via Zoom
Details
- Facilitated by Joe Wills—MFT, retired staff member, and Camp Fire survivor
- Participation is confidential outside of the group. No sign-in is required; just RSVP with preferred date(s) to joewillstherapy@gmail.com to receive a secure Zoom link.
- Questions? Please contact Jennifer Harris or Beverly Gentry at 530-898-6433 (voice mail goes to email) or email pdev@csuchico.edu
Individual Counseling
Our campus employee assistance program, LifeMatters, provides up to three, one-on-one counseling sessions. Access by calling 1-800-367-7474 (password: csuchico), request a referral to a local counselor, and explain that your call is related to the wildfire.
Phone (1-800-367-7474) and website (www.mylifematters.com(opens in new window)) resources are available 24/7. Services are available to Chico State employees and anyone living with them.
LifeMatters has multiple providers available, and can also offer phone/video counseling as an option if a client requests it. If you have any concern about obtaining a provider, please re-contact the EAP for assistance in locating a direct referral.
Note: If employees are concerned about the welfare of a student, they may call the WellCat Counseling Center, 24/7 at 530-898-6345 to consult with a counselor via phone.
Featured Tips
During September, the EAP’s Wildfire and Child Care Quick Tips(opens in new window) cover: wildfire resources, coping with worry, tutoring options for students (yes, they are working on ways to offering tutoring!), a guide to childcare services, and more.
West Coast Wildfires News and Resources
LifeMatters(opens in new window) has vetted links to wildfire news, videos and articles, to help employees prepare for and recover from wildfires. The article, Coping with a Traumatic Event(opens in new window), is relevant for many employees processing the impact of the wildfires.
COVID-19 Resource Center
Click on the “COVID-19 Resource Center” tile in LifeMatters(opens in new window) to find quick tips, webinars, videos, and multiple topics, such as supporting children during COVID.
Convenience Services
You’ve got help – just ask! Call the LifeMatters phone number (1-800-367-7474) and ask for help finding something for you or your household. For example: childcare resources, finding good elder care, locating a doctor that is taking your health plan and new patients, making financial decisions, etc. They’ll do some research on your behalf and email you or talk you through options.
My Wellbeing & Resilience Journey
The LifeMatters(opens in new window) “Quick Links” offer the MyWellbeing Profile(opens in new window). Take the assessment and choose to make choices toward a healthy and positive lifestyle that is active, ongoing and personal. Or, scroll down, and select the “Resilience” tile and find out more about how to participate in the Resilience Journey.
LifeMatters Brochure and Online Resources Summary
View a quick list (PDF) of the services available to you, and your household, through LifeMatters. The campus Employee Assistance Program website provides links to LifeMatters Services (e.g., financial, health, legal, calculators, recipes, etc.), webinars, on-campus resources and community resources.
