Coronavirus: Continued Counseling Services

Ravens,

We wanted to take a moment and remind you that it is normal and natural to be experiencing a wide array of emotions in dealing with the recent abrupt changes, the necessary adjustments to the temporary “new normal” in completing your academic year, the higher levels of anxiety and fear, as well as the grief related to the various “losses” that many of you are experiencing. In order to continue providing counseling services, AU has transitioned to a telemental health model. This means that counseling services will be held either via phone or through video conferencing.

AU Counseling Services expects to be able to accommodate most clients through a telemental health format. However, if a particular counselor is unable to provide the appropriate level of service for any reason given the current limitations we are working within, Counseling Services will work with you to identify appropriate, alternative treatment options in your local area.

To schedule an appointment with Counseling Services or receive a referral, contact Counseling Services at counseling@anderson.edu. There are many local counseling agencies that are providing telemental health services during this time.

If you request a counseling appointment, you will need to do the following prior to  your initial appointment:

Once we have received your request and the completed forms, Counseling Services will email you directly to confirm an appointment time or assist you with a referral.

Again remember, it’s completely expected and appropriate to experience fear and/or higher stress levels during situations like these as it is often difficult to adjust to sudden changes and to sit in uncertainty. It’s also important to know how to manage overwhelming anxiety and keep perspective as the situation unfolds and live well in the midst of it all. In addition to the resources available on the Counseling Services webpage https://anderson.edu/student-life/counseling, a list of additional Coping Resources for you to utilize as needed have been attached.

If you are experiencing an Emergency, call 911 for local emergency assistance.

In addition, you may utilize the resources below:

USA National Suicide Hotlines:

1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK

1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-8255

Text “START” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Christal Helvering, Director of Counseling Services, directly at crhelvering@anderson.edu. Our Counseling Services staff continues to join the broader AU community in unified prayer!