Dr. Robert A. Pastoor, Vice President for Student Affairs, sent out an update to students on Wednesday, March 25 about counseling services:
Dear students,
Given the on-going need for counseling to serve our students, the University has decided to continue working with Parkview to provide counseling services, remotely. Below, you will find the email from LaDonna outlining the services that she is able to provided remotely. She has also listed other services available at other sites that are not covered by our Parkview partnership.
As we continue to maneuver through these ever-changing times, moving from on-site to online education, we know that some students are struggling. We are very happy to make these services available to all of our Fort Wayne students if the need arises. Please, do not hesitate to avail yourself of these services, simply follow the direction listed below. Be kind to yourself, be kind to others, and above all, be safe!
Bob Pastoor
A few words from the USF Health and Wellness Center’s university therapist, LaDonna Hayden, MA, LMHC:
Good afternoon, USF Folks!
Can we push the reset button on 2020?! It has surely been a wild ride these last few weeks!
I hope this message reaches you well, as you adjust to your new appropriately socially distant living/learning environments!
Covid-19 reminds me of the time I provided Disaster Mental Health services for the American Red Cross in Alabama after the 2011 tornados. Every morning was different. Everyday people were just trying to find their “new normal” and sometimes it felt like as soon as we had a direction, everything would change.
While this may feel accurate today, please know, this too shall pass. There might be some rough moments at times, but we are all in this together and together we will find our way through the dark patches into the light.
Today, like last week, I continue to communicate with students, connecting them to the best resources possible during these tumultuous times.
It is our good fortune that online counseling services are now available through the end of the semester for students currently in the state of Indiana.
To sign-up for virtual counseling services, you will need to call our main office at 260-266-8060 to make your appointment. The main office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For students currently residing out-of-state and in need of counseling services, please email me with your name, state, insurance, and counseling needs at LaDonna.Hayden@parkview.com and I will do my best to provide you with several counseling resources. Otherwise, if you prefer to find your own therapy resources PsychologyToday.com and GoodTherapy.org are two popular websites for finding mental health counselors.
If you are in need of more urgent or emergency mental health services or should problematic symptoms become too overwhelming before I am able to connect with you, please call 911 or go to your local ER for emergency assistance.
In closing, whether or not you decide to seek out counseling services at this time, I want to leave you with several mental health resources that you may find valuable and beneficial during the next few weeks or months. To refer to the list of resources below and enjoy!
Take care,
LaDonna
Helpful resources:
Mindfulness and Our Response to Covid-19 Fear
Viral Anxiety: How to Avoid Contamination
CDC on Managing Coronavirus Stress
Medical Xpress on Coping with Anxiety during a Pandemic
BBC on Protecting your Mental Health
Free UHaul Offerings for Students