Ginger
We value the passion and dedication you bring to work each day. For this reason, we want to provide you with the best solutions and support.
Your mental health matters.
UNC Charlotte, in conjunction with the UNC System, offers a benefit to help support your mental health.
Mental Health comes in all shapes and sizes, and that’s why we’re offering Ginger so you can access care in a way that works for you—through texts, private video sessions with licensed clinicians and self-care activities.
What’s Ginger?
Ginger is an app that offers confidential, on-demand emotional and mental health support for your life challenges through coaching via text-based chats, self-care activities and video-based therapy and psychiatry—all from the privacy of your smartphone. Coaches are available to chat 24/7, 365 days per year. Private video sessions with a therapist or psychiatrist are available outside of business hours on evenings and weekends. Your dependents ages 18 and older can use Ginger, too.
What's Ginger Coaching?
For those little annoyances that seem silly to stress about, for those being overwhelming feelings, for the big changes you want to make in your life, and for everything else, behavioral health coaches can help. Through text-based conversations, your coach helps you manage everyday stressors early, before they become bigger issues.
It’s like getting a regular tune-up for your car so you’re not left stranded with a failed engine. Your coach works with you to build skills to cope with challenges and will stick by your side to keep you on track. One of the best features of coaching is that it’s all done through text messages, so you can chat on your own time without worrying about anyone listening in. Coaches get you back to feeling like yourself so you can focus on what matters to you most.
What's Ginger Therapy and Psychiatry?
When you need extra support for more in-depth issues, your coach may suggest you work with a therapist, who will become part of your care team. You'll meet with your therapist on video during regularly scheduled sessions. Note: If you use Ginger Therapy and Psychiatry services, your sessions may be covered under the State Health Plan. Applicable deductibles and copays for an office visit will apply.
Ginger therapists are state-licensed healthcare professionals trained in a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches and have either a master's or doctoral degree.
Who is eligible?
Permanent UNC Charlotte employees and their dependents aged 18 and older are eligible for Ginger and have access to coaching via text-based chats and self-care activities. You do not need to be enrolled in the State Health Plan to use Ginger. However, if you are enrolled and need to use Ginger Therapy and Psychiatry services, a representative from Ginger can help connect you with a provider in the State Health Plan’s network.
Eligible employees received several emails directly from Ginger about how Ginger works and how to access this benefit. If employees encounter any problems, Ginger's member support specialists are standing by to answer their questions at help@ginger.io.
How do I get started?
- Download Ginger from your smartphone's app store.
- In the app, tap "Create Account, then "My Organization" OR "Enter an access code" and enter the access code provided to you in an email from Ginger.
- Follow the instructions. You're all set!
Adult dependents can sign up for Ginger. Dependents age 18+ get access to Ginger from their own, separate accounts.
- Download the Ginger Emotional Support app.
- In the app, tap "Create Account," then "Sign up as a dependent."
- Tap "Adult Dependent" and enter the primary member's information.
- Follow the rest of the instructions to complete sign-up.
Events
Join Ginger’s workshop on sleep and how to improve bedtime habits.
Trouble sleeping? Chances are, you’re aware and have already been reflecting on what you can do about it. Did you know that if you’re having trouble sleeping, you might be more likely to feel anxious, irritable, or even depressed?
It may not be obvious, but getting a good night's sleep is an important part of mental, emotional and physical health.
On Thursday, March 16, Ginger is hosting a live workshop on the power of rest and how to improve your sleep habits. Join to learn strategies for implementing healthy sleep habits and how doing so strengthens your overall health. This workshop featuring two Ginger behavioral health coaches will reveal strategies to help you quiet the mind before bed, create the conditions for a restful night and learn how to sleep well more consistently.
There are two sessions you can choose from:
- Session 1: Noon Eastern Time
- Session 2: 8 p.m. Eastern Time
If you can’t make the live session, register anyway. Ginger will send you the recording and the tips shared in the workshop the next day.
March 2023 Resources
International Women's Day
February 2023 Resources
This month, it is an honor to celebrate the joy, resilience, and beauty of the Black community. Black history — which is a part of our collective history — is full of rich, complex stories that can lead us to feel inspired and hopeful in our daily lives.
By uplifting these narratives and prioritizing diversity, we move closer toward a happier, healthier world.
Check out these mindfulness and mental health resources to empower you and inspire others. You will need to download the Ginger app to view this content.
Have a question? Email help@ginger.com
January 2023 Resources
Reflect & Reset
The new year is a time of change, but sometimes we set goals that are too big and unattainable. To make a change stick, start with small steps. Reflecting is an important first step. Take time to reflect on the past to move forward in the future. Get started with the prompts in this journal.
Want to keep the momentum going? Try these in-app Ginger activities to reflect and reset mindfully:
Care for your mind and body
Find an activity that moves you — physically and emotionally. When you combine the power of movement and mindfulness, your overall health and wellness improves. Check out these tips from a Ginger therapist on how to boost your self-esteem and body image through practical steps and engage in mindful eating.
Messages
UNC System Message: New Mental Health Benefit Coming Soon
UNC System Message: Accessing Emotional and Mental Health Support through Ginger
UNC System Message: Have You Used Ginger Yet?