As the fall 2022 semester kicks off, students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 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.
Free mental health resources are available on campus for UH Mānoa students at the Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC) in the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services. CSDC provides brief solution-focused individual, couples, group and career counseling in which students can meet with a mental health professional through Zoom. CSDC is also available for crisis services for students needing immediate mental health support.
“We are here to support our students and UH Mānoa ʻohana as we embark on a new school year,” said CSDC Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma. “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.”
Students who are currently enrolled at UH Mānoa and located within the state of Hawaiʻi 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 counselor who can connect them with the most appropriate service.
A range of services
This year, all UH Mānoa students have access to Therapy Assistance Online (TAO), 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 throughout the year using their UH email address.
Group therapy is available, 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 website. Interested students should contact the center to complete a brief telephone screening appointment with a CSDC counselor to ensure group therapy is appropriate.
- Related UH News story: Resocializing tips in a COVID-19 world, June 29, 2021
Not just for students
For faculty, staff and academic programs, CSDC offers training opportunities as well as clinical and program consultation regarding student mental health. UH Mānoa faculty and staff are encouraged to contact CSDC about how to refer students to appropriate resources, or to arrange topical training for their departments. CSDC also offers all UH Mānoa faculty, staff and students free access to Kognito, an online training program that teaches skills for communicating with others about mental health concerns and motivating them to seek help when needed.
CSDC requests that students who are interested in attending a crisis appointment to call the center to speak with a crisis counselor. Staff will help arrange appropriate services. If students are not able to connect with counseling services through CSDC, counselors can assist with referrals to outside resources, including for students living outside of the state of Hawaiʻi.
Faculty and staff can contact the UH Employee Assistance Program for counseling services through Employee Assistance of the Pacific.
