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The Department of Political Science and Administration sponsored a mental health talk from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday Sep. 7. The talk was given by Dr. Jeffrey Y. Kuroiwa, Assistant Director of Clinical Services and Staff Counselor at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The talk served as a platform for UTEP students, faculty and staff to learn about the counseling and psychological services provided by the university.
Dr. Kuroiwa explained how college students are in a developmental stage that is key in identifying mental health issues. College students experience depression, anxiety, eating disorders, sleep deprivation, substance abuse, relationship problems and many other problems that affect their daily life and performance.
During COVID-19 there was an increase in awareness on mental health issues. Isolation, job loss and uncertainty about the future were common occurrences in the community. Dr. Kuroiwa introduced self-care as a positive coping mechanism to daily stressors.
“It is really hard to understand mental health if we don’t talk about it, if we don’t have access to information and resources. It is also hard to deal with especially because COVID exasperated mental health issues,” said Dr. Rebecca Reid, Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration.
CAPS , located at 202 Union West, promotes mental health and wellbeing around the campus and is there to assist UTEP students find professional help if needed. CAPS offers bilingual counselors, group therapy sessions, mental health workshops and individual therapy sessions. Individual therapy sessions are limited to 8 sessions per semester and 24 sessions per degree, but group therapy is always available and has no limit. Online services are also available.
In addition, togetherall is a mobile app available for all UTEP students. This online app provides service 24/7 and it connects students across the globe. All you have to do is sign up with your UTEP email address. All CAPS services are free and available to all UTEP students.
“The purpose of the talk is to start conversations and be more open in recognizing mental health issues and make accommodation for students who need it. We also want to better link students, faculty and staff with counseling services and psychiatric services,” Reid said.
Gold Larson, a student attending the talk, said that he was curious about the event and was happy to attend because the discussion at the end enriched his learning and made him aware of the resources available.
UTEP has an extensive number of resources available for students and the counseling and psychological services is only one of them.
For counseling and psychological services visit www.utep.edu/counsel or call (915) 747-5302.
Sophia Villalobos is a contributor and can be reached at [email protected]
