PSU launches 24/7 online mental health support for students
PITTSBURG, Kan. — Students on the campus of an area university now have twenty-four-hour-a-day access to mental health services.
It’s a beautiful day during the first week of school on a picturesque university campus. But don’t let this setting fool you.
College life, especially later in the semester, can be a pressure cooker for students.
Which is why Pitt State is offering a new online coping mechanism, in the form of the “Telus” mental health counseling service.
“There’s complete anonymity, and in fact when students log into the system they do not have to give their name if they do not want to, they do not have to use any type of credentialing like their student ID number, it can be completely anonymous if that’s how they choose to use the service,” said Deatrea Rose, PSU Office of Inclusion and Belonging.
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It gives students an opportunity to talk to someone when studies, or life in general, get a little overwhelming, especially late at night or in the early morning hours.
“And they like to be able to text, there’s a texting option, where they can just chat with a therapist, they can do FaceTime if they wanted to or they could just talk on the phone with someone, I think it really goes back to their comfort level and what they feel the best is the best method for them,” said Rose.
The service, provided through the Kansas Health Foundation, is designed to provide help when needed by students at any hour.
But if they still need help during regular business hours, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, which has had a presence on campus for years, can provide it through their mental health professionals.
“And if a student utilizes the service at 2 AM and gives permission, we can see that data and help them with their 9 AM appointment the next day so really closing that loop and giving consistent care for that student,” said Taylor Panczer, Wellness and Student Advocacy Services, CHC SEK.
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