{"id":164195,"date":"2022-08-29T11:08:13","date_gmt":"2022-08-29T21:08:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=164195"},"modified":"2022-08-29T11:08:13","modified_gmt":"2022-08-29T21:08:13","slug":"free-mental-health-services","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2022\/08\/29\/free-mental-health-services\/","title":{"rendered":"Free mental health services available to UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa students"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"Two<\/p>\n

As the fall 2022 semester kicks off, students at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at M\u0101noa may feel both excited and nervous about transitioning into a new academic year. Amidst the demands of school, work, family, social life and extracurriculars, students may wonder where to go if they find themselves needing support for their mental health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n

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

“We are here to support our students and UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa ʻohana<\/span> as we embark on a new school year,” said CSDC<\/abbr> Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma<\/strong>. “We welcome any students to connect with us if they have concerns about their mental health, or want to learn more about resources to help them succeed along their academic journey.”<\/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 outside of the state 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

A range of services<\/h2>\n

This year, all UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa students have access to Therapy Assistance Online (TAO<\/abbr>)<\/a>, 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<\/abbr><\/a> throughout the year using their UH<\/abbr> email address.<\/p>\n

Group therapy is available<\/a>, with groups focused on a variety of issues, such as coping with grief or loss, building healthy relationships, and exploring personal identity. Groups that are currently being offered are listed on the CSDC<\/abbr> website<\/a>. Interested students should contact the center to complete a brief telephone screening appointment with a CSDC<\/abbr> counselor to ensure group therapy is appropriate.<\/p>\n