For students at the , starting a new school year often brings a mix of excitement and nerves. With the challenges of balancing school, work, family, social life and extracurricular activities, many may find themselves wondering where to turn for support with their mental health and well-being.

An array of programs are dedicated to serving the unique needs of UH ����ԴDz� students. Mental health services are available through the (CSDC). Services tailored specifically for , , and those seeking behavioral health services from . The university also offers access to , as well as programs for students looking to decrease their .

“We understand how challenging it can be to get an education while trying to stay healthy in mind and body,” said CSDC Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma. “Our dedicated mental health professionals at UH ����ԴDz� are here to help you stay well, cope with challenges, and succeed in your academic journey.”

CSDC provides free, confidential brief individual, couples, group and career counseling through scheduled appointments with a mental health professional. Interested students can call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.

is available, with groups focused on building healthy relationships, developing greater awareness and insight, and exploring personal identity.

The CSDC has crisis counselors available during business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students can call or walk-in to attend a crisis appointment.

For faculty and staff, training opportunities and clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health are available. Faculty and staff can contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to arrange .

The CSDC hosts various events to promote mental health, such as hands-on self-care workshops and resource fairs. At these events, students can explore on-campus mental health resources and learn practical skills to enhance their well-being.

serves as an authorized testing site for various standardized tests and licensure/certification examinations, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, CLEP, and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-UH system distance learning courses. Inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees, etc., may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.

This program provides culturally relevant and responsive behavioral health services from an indigenous ʻō���ɾ� and Pasifika framework. Counselors utilize an ‘ōiwi-informed lens to foster belonging for our UH ����ԴDz� ʻoiwi and elevate the collective behavioral health of the lāhui. Individual therapy and workshops are provided in collaboration with campus partners, such as and .

. Clinicians are available for telehealth services and limited in-person services at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, third floor. Email inquiries to: kwaahila@hawaii.edu.

This program provides dedicated mental health and wellness services for all UH ����ԴDz� student-athletes in the .

One-on-one, confidential counseling is available via in-person sessions in Nagatani Center, Room 0L25 or via telehealth sessions. No referral is required to access Rainbow Wellness services and all services are free of charge. Email ATHMH@hawaii.edu to book a session or ask questions.

Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL)

The VITAL program is a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help student veterans achieve academic and career goals. Student veterans enrolled at UH ����ԴDz� and are eligible for VA healthcare and can meet with a mental health professional via VA Video Connect. Call (808) 940-9098 to schedule an appointment.

Student veterans in need of immediate mental health attention are recommended to call VA Mental Health Triage at 1-800-214-1306, option 2, option 4 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) or Veterans Crisis Line at 988, option 1 (available 24/7). For more information, go to the .

Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program (ADEP)

ADEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and substance use.

Students can access Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a free program designed to address alcohol-related (and other substances including vaping) issues among students through personalized interventions. Email inquiries to adep@hawaii.edu.

Online Self-Help Resources

UH ����ԴDz� students can access (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have to TAO throughout the semester using their UH email address.

UH Employee Assistance Program

Faculty and staff members seeking mental health services can contact the UH Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by Employee Assistance of the Pacific. All regular, temporary and exempt employees are eligible for EAP services.

After experiencing houselessness and addiction, Gerry Crespo never imagined becoming a counselor. However, in May 2025, he earned his Certificate of Competence in Substance Use Disorders (COSUDS) Counseling at Leeward Community College’s Waiʻanae Moku education center—and now works full-time for Salvation Army Addiction Treatment Services.

“It’s one of the most rewarding professions,” said Crespo. “I feel extraordinarily fulfilled whenever I witness someone achieve recovery and transform their life.”

Crespo is one of 10 recent graduates of the COSUDS program, and among the eight who received an award and support from the �鶹��ý Behavioral Health Training Institute (HBHTI), which was created to support individuals from across the state seeking careers as substance use disorders counselors. Crespo’s grant helped to cover his rent and bill payments.

“This program enables you to transform lives, including your own,” he said.

“This program fills a vital gap in our community,” said Gwen Williams, co-principal investigator of HBHTI and coordinator of Leeward CC’s COSUDS Counseling program. “We’ve seen how tuition coverage and stipends make education possible for individuals who might otherwise never have this opportunity. If our grant is renewed, we hope to continue supporting those ready to serve �鶹��ý in one of its most urgent workforce needs.”

Leveling up

HBHTI has included the Level 1 COSUDS program at Leeward CC and a Level 2 apprenticeship coordinated by the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, Department of Social Work. Apprentices work at state-registered treatment sites as they pursue certified substance abuse counselor (CSAC) credentials. A four-year grant from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration has helped to provide tuition assistance, stipends during fieldwork experiences, and stipends for apprenticeships. An award for tuition is expected to be available for one more year for qualified candidates.

Like Crespo, Edmond Pulu Jr. entered the program with a history of addiction—and a desire to change his life.

“HBHTI has been life-changing. Coming from addiction, incarceration and having to start over with nothing, the program gave me more than training—it gave me a second chance,” said Pulu Jr.

Now a CSAC at Kokua Support Services, he facilitates group sessions, mentors clients and supports Chuukese individuals in recovery. He earned degrees from Leeward CC and UH West Oʻahu and is completing his Master of Social Work at UH ����ԴDz�.

“What drives me is knowing every client I serve could’ve been me,” Pulu Jr. said.

For current UH students interested in enrolling in the COSUDS program, contact gwenw@hawaii.edu or HBHTI at .

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under 1 M01HP42453‐01‐00, �鶹��ý Behavioral Health Training Institute, totaling $2,216,000, with 0 percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

For students at the , starting a new year and a new semester can bring on a mix of excitement and nerves. With the challenges of balancing school, work, family, social life and extracurricular activities, many may find themselves wondering where to turn for support with their mental health and well-being.

An array of programs are dedicated to serving the needs of UH ����ԴDz� students. Mental health services are available through the (CSDC). Services tailored specifically for , and (students) are also available. The university also offers access to , as well as programs for students looking to .

“Taking care of your mental and physical wellbeing while pursuing an education is so important,” said CSDC Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma. “Fortunately, UH ����ԴDz� has a variety of resources dedicated to helping you stay well, cope with challenges, and succeed in your academic journey.”

CSDC provides free, confidential individual, couples, group and career counseling through scheduled appointments with a mental health professional. Interested students should call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.

is available, with groups focused on building healthy relationships, developing greater awareness and insight, and exploring personal identity.

The CSDC has crisis counselors available during business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students can call or walk-in to attend a crisis appointment.

Training opportunities, and clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health are available. Faculty and staff can contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to for their departments.

The CSDC provides events to promote mental health, including several Spring semester resource fairs hosted by the CSDC . At the events, students can explore on-campus mental health resources and learn practical skills to enhance their well-being.

CSDC’s serves as an authorized testing site for various standardized tests and licensure/certification examinations, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, CLEP, and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-UH system distance learning courses. Inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees, etc., may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.

Culturally responsive behavioral health services to all students who identify as Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) or Pacific Islander. Individual therapy and workshops provided in collaboration with campus partners, such as and .

Register for . Clinicians are available for telehealth services and limited in-person services at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, third floor. Email inquiries to: kwaahila@hawaii.edu.

Dedicated mental health and wellness services for all UH ����ԴDz� student athletes in the .

One-on-one, confidential counseling is available via in-person sessions in Nagatani Center, Room 0L25 or via telehealth sessions. No referral is required to access Rainbow Wellness services and all services are free of charge. Email ATHMH@hawaii.edu to book a session or ask questions.

(VITAL)

The VITAL program is a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help student veterans achieve academic and career goals. Student veterans enrolled at UH ����ԴDz� and are eligible for VA healthcare can meet with a mental health professional via VA Video Connect. Call (808) 940-9098 to schedule an appointment.

Student veterans in need of immediate mental health attention are recommended to call VA Mental Health Triage at 1-800-214-1306, option 2, option 4 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) or Veterans Crisis Line at 988, option 1 (available 24/7). For more information, go to the .

Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program (ADEP)

ADEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and substance use.

Students can access Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a free program designed to address alcohol-related (and other substances including vaping) issues among students through personalized interventions. Email inquiries to adep@hawaii.edu.

Online self-help resources

UH ����ԴDz� students can access (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations, and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have throughout the semester using their UH email address.

UH Employee Assistance Program

Faculty and staff members seeking mental health services can contact the UH Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by Employee Assistance of the Pacific. All regular, temporary and exempt employees are eligible for EAP services.

For students at the , starting a new academic year often brings a mix of excitement and nerves. With the challenges of balancing school, work, family, social life and extracurricular activities, many may find themselves wondering where to turn for support with their mental health and well-being.

An array of programs are dedicated to serving the unique needs of UH ����ԴDz� students. Mental health services are available through the . Services tailored specifically for , , and (students) are also available. The university also offers access to , as well as programs for students looking to decrease their .

• CSDC provides free, confidential brief individual, couples, group and career counseling through scheduled appointments with a mental health professional. Interested students should call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.
• , with groups focused on building healthy relationships, developing GREater awareness and insight, and exploring personal identity.
• The CSDC also has crisis counselors available during business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students can call or walk-in to attend a crisis appointment.
• Training opportunities, and clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health are available. Faculty and staff can contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to .
• The CSDC hosts various events to promote mental health, including the upcoming “Love Life” event on September 27, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Campus Center Courtyard. At the event, students can explore on-campus mental health resources and learn practical skills to enhance their well-being.
• serves as an authorized testing site for various standardized tests and licensure/certification examinations, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, CLEP, and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-UH system distance learning courses. Any inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees, etc., may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.

• Culturally responsive behavioral health services to all students who identify as Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) or Pacific Islander. Individual therapy and workshops provided in collaboration with campus partners, such as and .
• Clinicians are available for telehealth services and limited in-person services at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, third floor. Email inquiries to: kwaahila@hawaii.edu.

• Dedicated mental health and wellness services for all UH ����ԴDz� student athletes in the .
• One-on-one, confidential counseling is available via in-person sessions in Nagatani Center, Room 0L25 or via telehealth sessions. No referral is required to access Rainbow Wellness services and all services are free of charge. Email ATHMH@hawaii.edu to book a session or ask questions.

• The VITAL program is a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help student veterans achieve academic and career goals. Student veterans enrolled at UH ����ԴDz� and are eligible for VA healthcare and can meet with a mental health professional via VA Video Connect. Call (808) 940-9098 to schedule an appointment.
• Student veterans in need of immediate mental health attention are recommended to call VA Mental Health Triage at 1-800-214-1306, option 2, option 4 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) or Veterans Crisis Line at 988, option 1 (available 24/7).

Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program (ADEP)

• ADEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and substance use.
• Students can access Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a free program designed to address alcohol-related (and other substances including vaping) issues among students through personalized interventions. Email inquiries to adep@hawaii.edu.

Online Self-Help Resources

• UH ����ԴDz� students can access (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations, and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have throughout the semester using their UH email address.

UH Employee Assistance Program

• Faculty and staff members seeking mental health services can contact the UH Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by Employee Assistance of the Pacific. All regular, temporary and exempt employees are eligible for EAP services.

Through a pioneering apprenticeship program by the , and , Edmond Pulu Jr., a former alcoholic who was also addicted to meth for 26 years, is on track to become a certified substance abuse counselor. Pulu Jr.’s arrest in 2018 marked a turning point in his addiction.

“Initially, recovery was never part of the plan when I opted to go to Sand Island Treatment Center, a long-term residential treatment facility,” Pulu Jr. said. “My primary motivation was to use it as a get-out-of-jail card. However, once I started the program, something shifted. Over time, I began to see the value in recovery and genuinely committed to the process.”

He started his counseling career journey at Leeward CC in 2022, four years into his recovery. The University of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s �鶹��ý Behavioral Health Training Institute (HBHTI) supports individuals pursuing careers as substance use disorder counselors across �鶹��ý at Leeward CC, UH Maui College and �鶹��ý CC. The principal investigator (PI) of the HBHTI is Seunghye Hong, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health associate professor, and the co-PI is Gwen Williams, who is the program coordinator for Leeward CC‘s Certificate of Competence in Substance Use Disorder Counseling (COSUDS) program which supports individuals from all the Hawaiian islands who wish to pursue careers as substance use disorder counselors.

The HBHTI program, funded by a four-year grant from the , offers two award levels. Level 1 includes the certificate of competence, while Level 2 provides hands-on apprenticeship training for COSUDS graduates employed at participating agencies. Recipients receive up to $3,000 for tuition and books and a $5,000 stipend during Level 1, and a $7,500 stipend during Level 2. HBHTI has already benefited 63 students, strengthening �鶹��ý‘s behavioral health workforce.

Gaining confidence, furthering education

The apprenticeship program allowed Pulu Jr. to gain practical experience while continuing his education.
“I’m so glad the way the program is structured—part-time—because for somebody that’s been out of the classroom for so long, it really helped to slowly build the confidence that I can actually do school on top of something that I’m already exposed to in treatment,” he said.

As a full-time apprentice, Pulu Jr.’s dedication and hard work led him to earn a bachelor’s of psychology from UH West Oʻahu in fall 2023. He is set to begin work on a master of social work degree at the UH ����ԴDz�, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health Department of Social Work, all while continuing his on-the-job training at Kokua Support Services and completing hours toward becoming a certified substance abuse counselor. His long-term goal is to assist those struggling with substance use disorder in American Samoa.

To apply for an award at Leeward CC, candidates must enroll in the COSUDS Counseling program. More information can be found at or the HBHTI page. For entry into the spring semester cohort, contact Gwen Williams at gwenw@hawaii.edu or the HBHTI at hbhti@hawaii.edu.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under 1 M01HP42453‐01‐00, �鶹��ý Behavioral Health Training Institute, totaling $2,216,000 with 0 percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

—By Tad Saiki

Reaching students to help them achieve their academic best can be challenging. What the at the hoped to do is gather advisors and educators from around the Pacific to share what works best and what can be done in the future. On July 11, about 160 participants from all 10 UH campuses and other institutions across the Pacific, such as Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau and the Marshall Islands shared insights, strategies, and best practices in academic advising at the virtual .

“The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Bridging Islands of Knowledge’ and highlights how we often focus on our own isolated areas of expertise,” said Derek Furukawa, director of the in the . “Whether geographically or within different divisions at our institutions, being in the same ‘space’ can spark communication and collaboration, bridging these islands of thought.”

Technology tools, wellness

Participants chose from professional development sessions, and topics ranged from bridging cultural learning and core advising values to strategies for supporting students at risk. An advisor from presented how UH uses technology to connect at-risk students with academic and support services. They demonstrated how advisors are alerted about at-risk students through UH’s online registration app, STAR ().

“Utilizing early alert systems to support students in making adjustments to their academic approaches (before it’s too late in the term to recover) has been proven to make a significant impact on students’ timely completion of their programs,” Furukawa explained.

The conference also featured sessions on promoting health and wellness among academic advisors. “Nurturing the Nurturers” highlighted wellness programs implemented across four different institutions: UH ����ԴDz�, , and University of Guam. Advisors at these campuses engaged in activities such as outdoor exercise and face-to-face interactions to promote well-being.

Bridging islands

For the first time, UH ����ԴDz�’s 14th annual summer conference was attended by advisors from a wide geographical range in the Pacific. Traditionally, the cost and time differences make it challenging for these advisors to attend professional development events. The virtual sessions were scheduled synchronously to accommodate participants from various time zones, from Chamorro to �鶹��ý.

As spring is a time for renewal and change, University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa students may feel both excited and nervous about the new semester. Amidst the demands of school, work, family, social life and extracurriculars, students may wonder where to go if they need support for their mental health and wellbeing.

An array of programs are dedicated to serving the unique needs of UH Mānoa students. Mental health services are available through the . Services tailored specifically for , , and (students) are also available. The university also offers access to , as well as programs for students looking to decrease their .

(CSDC)

• CSDC provides free, confidential brief individual, couples, group and career counseling through scheduled appointments with a mental health professional. Interested students should call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.
• , with groups focused on building healthy relationships, developing greater awareness and insight, and exploring personal identity.
• The CSDC also has crisis counselors available during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30a.m.–3:30p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students can call or walk-in to attend a crisis appointment.
• Training opportunities, and clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health are available. Faculty and staff can contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to .
• serves as an authorized testing site for various standardized tests and licensure/certification examinations, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, CLEP, and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-UH system distance learning courses. Any inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees, etc., may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.

• Culturally responsive behavioral health services to all students who identify as Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) or Pacific Islander. Individual therapy and workshops provided in collaboration with campus partners, such as and .
• . Clinicians are available for telehealth services and limited in-person services at Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services, third floor. Email inquiries to: kwaahila@hawaii.edu.

• Dedicated mental health and wellness services for all UH Mānoa student athletes in the .
• One-on-one, confidential counseling is available via in-person sessions in Nagatani Center, Room 0L25 or via telehealth sessions. No referral is required to access Rainbow Wellness services and all services are free of charge. Email ATHMH@hawaii.edu to book a session or ask questions.

(VITAL)

• The VITAL program is a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help student veterans achieve academic and career goals. Student veterans enrolled at UH Mānoa and are eligible for VA healthcare and can meet with a mental health professional via VA Video Connect. Call (808) 940-9098 to schedule an appointment.
• Student veterans in need of immediate mental health attention are recommended to call VA Mental Health Triage at 1-800-214-1306, option 2, option 4 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) or Veterans Crisis Line at 988, option 1 (available 24/7). .

Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program (ADEP)

• ADEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible decisions regarding alcohol and substance use.
• Students can access Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a free program designed to address alcohol-related (and other substances including vaping) issues among students through personalized interventions. Email inquiries to adep@hawaii.edu.

Online Self-Help Resources

• UH Mānoa students can access (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations, and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have throughout the semester using their UH email address.

UH Employee Assistance Program

• Faculty and staff members seeking mental health services can contact the UH Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by Employee Assistance of the Pacific. All regular, temporary and exempt employees are eligible for EAP services.

The focus on mental health has grown exponentially in recent years, especially that of students. Results from a brief survey conducted by mental health experts at the in fall 2023 boiled down the most pressing stressors impacting some Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander-identifying haumāna (students).

Top 5 stressors

• Financial stress (73%)
• Transportation issues (37%)
• Friendship drama (35%)
• Social media stress (31%)
• Work-related stress (30%)

To help meet mental health and well-being needs of Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) and Pasifika haumāna at UH Mānoa, was launched in 2022 to provide free individual therapy (virtual or in-person), monthly kūkākūkā (discussion) and group support sessions. The program hosts in-person sessions once a week at the UH Mānoa inside the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services.

• Related UH News story: Free mental health program for Native Hawaiian students, August 23, 2022

“Many of our students juggle multiple roles beyond that of being a student, including working, taking care of children or younger siblings or kūpuna (elders),” said Jillian Freitas, program director at Ka Malu a Waʻahila. “The pandemic also shifted the ways in which we connect and relate to one another, and many of our students have expressed challenges with friendships, and building community, even after resuming in-person activities.”

Freitas works alongside a team of licensed behavioral health clinicians who identify as Indigenous Pasifika and work to cultivate a therapeutic space for students. The program’s name, Ka Malu a Waʻahila, refers to the protection or shelter of Waʻahila, which is the mountain ridge that casts a shadow over Mānoa.

“For our Kānaka ʻŌiwi and other Indigenous students, there is an underlying presence of historical trauma from colonization that continues in various forms today, and has impacted the overall health and wellbeing of our peoples,” Freitas said. “Many of us are familiar with this trauma narrative, however, we also have a beautiful resilience narrative too.”

Deep-rooted resiliency

Freitas added that the program’s foundation and approach to integral pathways of healing stems from strength and wisdom garnered through generations of their cultural ancestors. They infuse established therapeutic methods with ʻike (knowledge) derived from Native Hawaiian legends, moʻolelo (stories) and history, and language and cultural revitalization efforts.

“We hear a lot about the importance of self-care in Western circles. But we ask our students to conceptualize what self-care looks like for them, and what it might look like from an Indigenous perspective,” said Freitas. “For us, self-care that is rooted in kaiāulu (community), rooted in kuleana (responsibility) and purpose, rooted in values, uplifts the entire lāhui (nation) and can never be selfish.”

Ka Malu a Waʻahila was developed at the request of the UH Mānoa and funded by the UH Mānoa .

To help curb �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s ballooning demand for mental health services and substance abuse treatment, the will receive a total of $1.68 million over the next five years. The funding will create a new certified substance abuse counselor (CSAC) track to accommodate up to 30 students each year within UH �ᾱ����’s .

“The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in mental health problems,” said Charmaine Higa-McMillan, director of UH �ᾱ����’s counseling psychology program. “According to the National Institutes of Health, 50% of Americans in 2021 reported having anxiety or depressive symptoms and 10% stated that their mental health needs were not being met. The need for mental health services in the County of �鶹��ý and across the state has increased significantly due to the opioid abuse epidemic.”

Weight of addiction

UH Hilo received the funding award from the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) of the �鶹��ý Department of Health and in partnership with the �鶹��ý County Mayor’s Office.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 50% of people suffering from substance addiction have a co-occurring mental health condition.

“An important benefit of adding the CSAC concentration is that students will be trained to treat both substance use disorders and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and suicidality,” explained Bryan Kim, a UH Hilo psychology professor in the program. “In �鶹��ý, these mental health and substance use problems have posed challenges to our already strained mental health system.”

Premiere program

Established in 2005, the MA program in counseling psychology provides multicultural, student-centered training with a specialization in clinical mental health counseling. The program’s curriculum meets the requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor in �鶹��ý and is the only one of its kind in the UH System. The program is nationally accredited and is offered to students throughout the state via distance education technology. The program has graduated more than 200 mental health counselors and has a 90% graduation rate.

“The mental health counseling program at UH Hilo is in an ideal position to help address the rising mental health and substance abuse problems in our state,” Higa-McMillan said. “We are excited about our partnership with ADAD and the Mayor’s Office that will enable us to bring real and tangible benefits to our communities.”

Alumni from the UH Hilo program work in various mental health settings across the state such as the state education and health departments, and non-profit agencies including Big Island Substance Abuse Council, Care Hawaii, Child and Family Service, Hale Kipa, and in group and private practice.

The MA in counseling psychology program is housed in the UH Hilo .

For many students, the beginning of a new semester brings both excitement and new challenges. This year, the tragedy hitting the state with the deadly wildfires on Maui is certain to raise anxieties. As students navigate school, work, family, social life and extracurriculars, they may wonder where to go if they find themselves needing support for their mental health and wellbeing.

Free mental health resources are available on campus for University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� students at the (CSDC). CSDC provides brief solution-focused individual, couples, group and career counseling in which students can meet with a mental health professional via Zoom. The CSDC is also available to provide crisis services during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) to assist students needing immediate mental health support. Students interested in attending a crisis appointment are asked to call CSDC at (808) 956-7927 to speak with a crisis counselor. Staff will help arrange appropriate services.

Students who are currently enrolled at UH ����ԴDz� and located within the state of �鶹��ý are eligible for six individual counseling sessions per academic year. Among CSDC’s top priorities is accommodating student session requests as quickly as possible. Though wait time for individual therapy varies by time of year, students are generally seen for an initial consultation within one to two weeks to discuss treatment options and resources. Interested students should call CSDC to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service. Those outside of the state can utilize CSDC’s online self-help resources and contact CSDC for help connecting with mental health resources in their area.

A range of services

This year, all UH ����ԴDz� students have access to (TAO), a suite of online educational programs with engaging videos, animations and interactive activities that use evidence-based content to address common mental health-related concerns. Students have completely anonymous, free access to TAO throughout the year using their UH email address.

, with groups focused on a variety of issues, such as adjusting to college, building healthy relationships and exploring personal identity. Groups that are currently being offered are listed on the . Interested students should contact CSDC to complete a brief telephone screening appointment with a CSDC counselor to ensure group therapy is appropriate.

“We want all students to feel like they have the support they need to be successful at every stage of their academic journey,” said CSDC Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma. “We welcome any student to connect with us if they have concerns about their mental health, or want to learn more about resources to help them remain happy and healthy.”

CSDC also sponsors a variety of educational events and workshops, which serve to familiarize students with mental health resources and teach them skills to improve their mental health. On September 11, CSDC will host its Love Life Event from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Campus Center Courtyard. The free event will provide resources and information on mental health, and how students can help and support their peers as the university marks National Suicide Prevention Week.

In addition, the serves as a testing site for various educational examinations and certifications, including the GRE, Praxis, TOEFL, MAT, CLEP and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-UH system distance learning courses. Any inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees and more may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.

Employees can learn how to help students

For faculty, staff and academic programs, CSDC offers training opportunities as well as clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health. UH ����ԴDz� faculty and staff are encouraged to contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to for their departments. CSDC also offers all UH ����ԴDz� faculty, staff and students , an online that teaches skills for communicating with others about mental health concerns and motivating them to seek help when needed. The Kognito program is available through September 30.

Faculty and staff can contact the UH Employee Assistance Program for counseling services through Employee Assistance of the Pacific.