Ginger Emotional Support App
We’re introducing a new benefit from Ginger to make it easier than ever to access emotional and mental health support, whenever and wherever you need it. Ginger offers on-demand, confidential mental healthcare through coaching via text-based chats, self-care activities, and video-based therapy and psychiatry.
Ginger is an app-based solution available at no cost to System Office employees. Whether you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or something else, you can get support in the way that works best for you. Chat via text with a trained behavioral health coach within seconds and meet with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist via video on weekends and evenings—all from the privacy of your smartphone. Plus, access a self-care library with more than 200 clinically validated resources.
Ginger Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the System Office offering Ginger?
The System Office is committed to providing you and your loved ones with access to best-in-class mental health care. With Ginger, there’s less friction in accessing help; it’s easy to use and available 24/7. Ginger’s virtual healthcare system delivers the right level of support, at the right time, through the convenience of the app.
How do I sign up for Ginger?
- Download the Ginger emotional support app from the Apple or Google Play stores.
- In the app, tap “Create Account” and select “Organization.”
- Follow the instructions and you’re set!
Note: Ginger will ask for your work email address – this is a unique identifier that Ginger will only use to confirm you can access Ginger as part of our benefits package. When creating a member log-in with Ginger, you may use the email address of your choice. You can unsubscribe from Ginger communications at any time by using the unsubscribe button located at the bottom of our emails.
Is Ginger confidential?
Ginger is completely confidential. No one at UNC will know if you use Ginger. Any health and personal information you share with your care team will be kept private. In other words, any information you provide to Ginger is not provided to, or managed by, the System Office or any constituent institution.
Is Ginger replacing the EAP?
Ginger doesn’t replace the EAP offered through ComPsych. Both Ginger and the EAP provide benefits that are designed to help you deal with life’s challenges but the one you’ll use will depend on the type of issue and level of support you need. The EAP continues to be a great resource if you’re struggling with personal and work-related problems, as it offers confidential counseling, online resources and referrals for things like child/elder care and home repair.
Ginger provides enhanced services for those who need more emotional and mental health support. With Ginger, you can connect with a behavioral health coach anytime, 24/7/365. Your coach will work with you to address the sources of your stress and how to create healthier behaviors. If you need more support than a behavioral health coach can provide, a licensed therapist or psychiatrist can be added to your care team.
Is Ginger covered by the State Health Plan?
Use of the Ginger app and the behavioral health coaching and self-care library are available at no cost. A licensed therapist or psychiatrist may be added to your Ginger care team if you need extra support. Therapy and psychiatry sessions are video-based and available evenings and weekends to fit your schedule. 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.
Can my spouse or children use Ginger too?
Ginger is not only available to you, but your dependents 18 and older can also use Ginger. Dependents age 18+ get access to Ginger from their own, separate accounts.
1. Download the Ginger Emotional Support app.
2. In the app, tap “Create Account,” then “Sign up as a dependent.”
3. Tap “Adult Dependent” and enter the primary member’s information.
4. Follow the rest of the instructions to complete sign-up.
What is Ginger coaching?
Coaching is a collaborative process where you and your coach work together to create an action-oriented plan to focus on the present and align on what you want to accomplish in the future. Coaches empower you to discover your full potential by encouraging you to identify small steps you can take to achieve your goals. Your coach will help you make adjustments as needed to keep you on track. Coaching happens through private in-app text-based chats with your coach.
How is Ginger coaching different from therapy?
Coaching focuses on where you are in the present and your goals for the future. Coaching is a collaborative relationship. You and your coach work together to identify small steps you can take to achieve your goals, making adjustments along the way to keep you on track. Therapy consists of sessions with a licensed clinician to help you address ongoing psychological symptoms, patterns of thought, behavior, or emotion that no longer serve you. Therapy allows you to dive deeper into past or present issues to make positive changes in your life. Coaching sessions happen through text-based chat, while Ginger therapy sessions happen via live video chats.
Are Ginger's coaches, therapists, and psychiatrists robots?
No. Our coaches, therapists, and psychiatrists are not robots or droids. They are real people with thoughts, feelings, and life experiences. And just like us, they need breaks too — which is why you might occasionally have a delayed response. Ginger carefully vets all their providers before joining the Ginger team to ensure we’re providing high-quality care for our members.
Ginger is a licensed medical provider group with a nationwide network of psychiatrists, therapists, and behavioral health coaches. Each has a graduate degree in psychology or a related field and/or a coaching certification.
What if I have other questions about Ginger?
See more frequently asked questions from Ginger here.
Also, the Ginger Member Support team is available to answer any questions you may have. Members can reach out to Member Support through the app or email help@ginger.com. Member Support operation hours are Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time).