FAQ for TESS

Built by clinical psychologists and used by more than 19 million people, Tess is a virtual mental health tool that coaches people through tough times by having text message conversations. Text with Tess anytime, even during the day, when you encounter workplace related stress, anxiety related issues -in the moment, mental health challenges or an option for coaching or care between Employee Assistance Program counseling sessions.

With any device that has SMS texting capabilities, send "Hi" via text message to 906-208-4204 and you will start immediately. Tess is available to connect via text messaging whenever and wherever you need it, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Yes. You can use Tess on a mobile device from any carrier.

Yes. Your data is as secure as your doctor's notes. You can delete at any time. Tess is anonymous. You do not have to give Tess any identifiable information. Tess will only ask what company you work for to confirm eligibility. Your response should be your company name.

Yes. Tess will remember which strategies have been delivered to you so as not to give you the same information twice. To maintain confidentiality and security, Tess only remembers conversations per a person's mobile phone number.

Yes. One way that Tess helps people is through check-ins. For example, if someone is feeling anxious, Tess may walk them through a deep breathing exercise. Later that week, Tess will reach out to see if the person practiced deep breathing and if they found it helpful. If so, Tess may suggest other related tactics and strategies. If not, Tess will help the person find other ways to feel less anxious.

Yes, Tess is available to eligible household members of Northstar EAP partner employees. Note that Tess is designed for people age 13 and older.

No, Tess uses AI (Artificial intelligence) and is intuitive and powered by rules and data just like when you interact via a chat or text-messaging interface. There is a good chance you have used a AI before, perhaps on a shopping website or government service webpage. It often appears as a "virtual assistant" on your screen with a question such as "Can I help you find something?"

Tess recommends a crisis line the person can call for help. If you are in need of help dial 911. Tess is not intended for crisis intervention.

No. Tess is included in your Northstar EAP service provided by your employer. That makes Tess's service available to employees free of charge.

Yes. Your counselor is probably familiar with TESS. Tell your counselor that you are engaging with Tess. In fact, our counselors often recommend Tess as a resource to supplement counseling or therapy. Since Tess is always available, many people find Tess to be helpful between counseling sessions.

Many people say they feel more comfortable opening up to Tess because there is no judgement. Others say they have benefited from the help that Tess provides.

Rooted in nearly a decade of research, Tess is trained using expert guidance from psychologists and is constantly "learning" from that training and user feedback. Every new conversation, word, phrase, question, or emotion you share helps Tess develop and grow to provide stronger, more personalized support. Every piece of help that Tess offers you has been reviewed, tested, and approved by psychologists.

Yes, under the 'Employee' link on Northstar's webpage we show other options for care. You can schedule EAP counseling by going here: https://northstar.eapintake.com/ or ask your Human Resources contact for more information about your Northstar EAP service.

You can stop a conversation whenever you are ready by simply texting "stop". Thank you and please try texting with Tess today!