Many students find college to be a challenging time, even without a global pandemic. Since the COVID-19 health crisis, experts have noticed a significant rise in stress and mental health concerns, particularly among young adults and especially among college students. As the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa community adjusts to statewide reopening and begins to resume in-person campus activities, students may wonder where to go if they need support for their mental health and well-being.
Free mental health resources are available for UH Mānoa students at the Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC) on the Mānoa campus. CSDC provides brief solution-focused individual, couples, group and career counseling in which students can meet with a mental health professional through Zoom. The CSDC is also available for crisis services for students needing immediate mental health support.
Read more about the Counseling and Student Development Center
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.
The CSDC also offers a variety of services aimed at learning new skills and connecting with other students, regardless of their current location within or outside of the state.
A range of services
During the fall 2021 semester, UH Mānoa students can register online to attend virtual drop-in support spaces, one-hour group sessions that provide a place for students of various identities (student-athletes, on-campus residents, international, LGBTQ+) to connect and share experiences virtually through Zoom.
Students can also participate in a series of interactive, educational self-help workshops focused on practical tips for maintaining mental and physical wellness. Workshops address topics such as developing healthy sleep routines, stress management and cultivating mindfulness.
Group therapy is also available to students who are located in Hawaiʻi. Groups focus on a variety of issues such as coping with anxiety, overcoming attention and hyperactivity concerns, 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.
For students looking to connect with peers, the CSDC offers services meant to connect students directly with peer-to-peer guidance and support through its Peer Fellows Program. The CSDC Peer Fellows team consists of current UH Mānoa undergraduate and graduate students who provide educational programming and personalized support alongside CSDC counselors, such as hosting virtual support spaces, providing workshops, and assisting students in organizing their academic and personal lives or connecting to campus resources.
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. The CSDC also offers all UH Mānoa faculty, staff and students with 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. The UH Mānoa community will have access to the program throughout the fall semester.
“As students acclimate to post-pandemic life, they may encounter personal challenges along the way. We want all members of the UH Mānoa ʻohana to know that mental health help and support is available,” 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 thrive.”
CSDC has adjusted services for students and is set up for urgent individual crisis and walk-in appointments (with adjustments to accommodate physical distancing), brief solution-focused counseling via Zoom and telephone consultations. The center requests that students call to set up an appointment prior to attending a walk-in appointment. 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.
This is an example of UH Mānoa’s goal of Enhancing Student Success (PDF), one of four goals identified in the 2015–25 Strategic Plan (PDF), updated in December 2020.
