COVID-19: Mental Health Support is Still Available
Elijah Perez
Artwork by Elijah Perez
The COVID-19 outbreak has temporarily closed business and schools, but mental health support is still available.
The COS Health Center can’t provide face to face counseling at this time due to COVID-19 and the remote operation status of the college. However, they are providing “tele-health” counseling (counseling over phone) or video conferencing for those seeking counseling or support. These forms of counseling can be accessed through the COS Health Center web-page.
Jill Maze, Psychological Services Supervisor at the COS Health Center, stated for those “in need of social or emotional support or just want contact with someone,” that there is now a Virtual Unplugged Cafe.
Before remote operation, the Unplugged Cafe was held at the Grind, but now it has been moved to a virtual Zoom conference room. The Virtual Unplugged Cafe is held Monday through Thursday from 11:00AM to 1:00PM.
Maze also detailed that her work line at COS (559-730-3988) has been redirected to her home line. She can be contacted there for information and “mental health crises.”
She also mentioned the mental health self screening tool is still available on the COS website as well as the Wellness Central application for “tips in how to improve your emotional, academic, financial, and spiritual wellness.”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness also provided information concerning those with mental illness during these times. “For anyone who is unsure about attending therapy sessions outside the home, especially those who the CDC has described as being at higher risk, you can ask your health care provider about tele-therapy or mental health services online.” Also, “For anyone who is worried about access to prescribed medications, you can ask your health care provider about getting 90-day supplies vs. a 60 or 30-day supply. If this is not possible, we encourage you to refill your medications as soon as they are allowed.”
To access the Virtual Unplugged Cafe, self screening tool, Wellness Central, or any other information provided by the COS Health Center, visit the link below.
