{"id":154957,"date":"2022-02-01T11:47:27","date_gmt":"2022-02-01T21:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=154957"},"modified":"2022-02-01T11:47:27","modified_gmt":"2022-02-01T21:47:27","slug":"free-mental-health-resources-for-uh-manoa-students-staff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2022\/02\/01\/free-mental-health-resources-for-uh-manoa-students-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"Free mental health resources for UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa students, staff"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 3<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"Two<\/p>\n

Spring is often a time for renewal and change, particularly for university students beginning an unpredictable new semester. As the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at M\u0101noa looks toward a return to in-person classes and activities while mitigating the spread of COVID-19, students may find themselves in need of guidance to address mental health and well-being.<\/p>\n

Free mental health resources are available at the UH<\/abbr> Counseling and Student Development Center<\/a> (CSDC<\/abbr>) for UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa students. CSDC<\/abbr> provides brief solution-focused individual, couples, group and career counseling in which students can meet with a mental health professional through Zoom. The CSDC<\/abbr> is also available for crisis services for students needing immediate mental health support.<\/p>\n

Students who are currently enrolled at UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa and located within the state of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> are eligible for services, while those living outside of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> can receive help connecting with mental health resources in their area. Interested students should call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief initial telephone appointment with a CSDC<\/abbr> counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe encourage all students, staff and faculty to show compassion and care toward themselves and others during these challenging times,\u201d said CSDC<\/abbr> Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma<\/strong>. \u201cShowing care means paying attention to your own mental and emotional health, reaching out for help when necessary, and encouraging others to do the same. Fortunately, UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa has many resources to support students\u2019 well-being throughout their academic journey.\u201d<\/p>\n

CSDC<\/abbr> also offers a variety of services aimed at learning new skills and connecting with other students, regardless of their current location within or outside of the state.<\/p>\n

Specialized services <\/h2>\n

During the spring 2022 semester, UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa students can register online to attend virtual drop-in support spaces<\/a>, one-hour group sessions that provide a place for students of various identities (student-athletes, on-campus residents, international, LGBTQ+<\/abbr>) to connect and share experiences via Zoom.<\/p>\n

Students can also participate in a series of interactive, educational self-help workshops<\/a> focused on practical tips for maintaining mental and physical wellness. Workshops address topics such as developing healthy sleep routines, stress management and cultivating mindfulness.<\/p>\n

Group therapy is also available<\/a> to students who are located in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>. Groups focus on a variety of issues which include coping with anxiety, overcoming attention and hyperactivity concerns, building healthy relationships, and exploring personal identity. Groups that are currently being offered are included on the CSDC<\/abbr> website. Interested students should call (808) 956-7927 to complete a brief telephone screening appointment with a CSDC<\/abbr> counselor to ensure group therapy is appropriate.<\/p>\n

For students looking to connect with peers, the CSDC<\/abbr> offers services meant to connect students directly with peer-to-peer guidance and support through its Peer Fellows Program<\/a>. The CSDC<\/abbr> Peer Fellows team consists of current UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa undergraduate and graduate students who provide educational programming and personalized support alongside CSDC<\/abbr> counselors, such as hosting virtual support spaces, providing workshops, and assisting students in organizing their academic and personal lives or connecting to campus resources.<\/p>\n