As spring is a time for renewal and change, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa students may feel excited and nervous about transitioning into a new semester. Amidst the demands of school, work, family, social life and extracurriculars, students may wonder where to go if they find themselves needing support for mental health and wellbeing.
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 also had crisis counselors available during our business hours (Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:30pm) to assist students needing immediate mental health support.
Students who are currently enrolled at UH Mānoa and located within the state of Hawaiʻi are eligible for services. Students outside of the state are eligible to utilize the CSDC’s online self-help resources or attend CSDC-sponsored educational events, as well as contact the CSDC for 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 also 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 also 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.
In addition, the CSDC’s Testing Office serves as a testing site for various educational examinations and certifications, including the GRE (General and Subject), Praxis, TOEFL, MAT, CLEP and Meazure Learning testing programs, and offers individual proctoring for non-UH system distance learning courses. Any inquiries regarding test availability, scheduling, fees and more may be directed to the Testing Office at (808) 956-3454 or uhmtest@hawaii.edu.
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.
“It is so important to care for yourself while pursuing an education, which includes connecting with appropriate support when needed.” said CSDC Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma. “We welcome any student 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.”
CSDC is available 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 who are interested in attending a crisis appointment to call the CSDC 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.
