Mental health impact
All SKC students are affected by the pandemic and will experience a range of impacts on their mental health. Measures intended to limit the spread of the coronavirus have also led to experiences of anxiety, fear, grief, and uncertainty. These emotional reactions are normal responses to an unexpected and scary situation. The effects of social distancing, loneliness, isolation, economic losses, and grief will continue to take their toll on all of us. For those with previous histories of trauma or mental disorders, the pandemic could exacerbate symptoms or contribute to a new episode of a mental health disorder that had been stable. CPW remains committed to supporting the SKC community and will continue to provide counseling and outreach to students and consultation services to faculty and staff.
Although the number of cases and loss of life has been less in Montana compared to other parts of the country and world, many students have been impacted by grief and loss. They are working to continue their education while they are cut off from their usual support systems, which may typically be an important part of the grieving process. Some students may be feeling unsafe as they fear or experience discrimination and/or bias incidents related to the pandemic. Many students are dealing with significant financial stressors, food insecurity, lack of housing, and other economic stressors. Each of these may contribute to the need for more professional mental health support.
Clinical Services and Telemental Health
CPW provides access to clinical services via telemental health. Students who contact CPW are connected with a counselor via telephone or zoom. During that appointment, the counselor conducts a brief assessment to ensure the student is appropriate for the telemental health modality and helps them get established for ongoing telemental health appointments with a CPW counselor. These sessions take place over a video conferencing platform. Students complete necessary forms online in advance of the appointment through a secure web component.
While telemental health is an important option and has certainly helped many students during this time, it is also less than ideal for many. Students may struggle to have a stable internet connection, lack a private space in which they can share the most intimate and private details of their lives, or be in an unsafe environment. These challenges, and others, are important considerations as CPW considers future services and the role of telemental health as a service option.
CPW will continue to prioritize telemental health options for students seeking mental health services. Two senior staff clinicians will be available throughout the summer to respond to any urgent situations via telemental health. CPW and community partners will work together to triage and schedule appointments as needed. Clinicians will conduct a brief assessment and schedule follow-up telemental health appointments. Crisis procedures have been considered and determined in collaboration with the Campus CERT Team, Campus CARE Team, and community partners.
Contact Information:
CPW Remote Access Line 406. 212.5454
CPW Office 406.275.4913
CPW Program Director 406.275.4744 kellie_caldbeck@skc.edu
