Psychological Services at Kent State University has enhanced its mental health services and in the process changed its name to better reflect its scope of practice.
The Division of Student Affairs recently underwent a reorganization, and according to the Director, Counseling and Psychological Services, Dr. Pamela Farer-Singleton, it signaled the right time to make a change to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
“With Psychological Services reporting to [Dean of Students] Dr. Taléa Drummer-Ferrell, this was a good time and opportunity to establish a new identity and increase visibility for our office,” she said.
Farer-Singleton also pointed out that mental health is now more important than ever, which factored into the name change.
“In an effort to enhance mental health services [on campus], it is crucial that the department be visible, discernible, and accessible to the university community,” she said.
Drummer-Ferrell agreed. “The title ‘Psychological Services’ is hard to distinguish from an academic department and does not fully convey the resources provided by our clinicians,” she said. “By adding counseling to the title, it depicts a more accurate picture of the services and helps as people search for resources.”
The updated department name also signals the beginning of a partnership with IMPACT Student Assistance Program that expands the capacity of the Counseling and Psychological Services team and provides additional counseling support to students, including a nonemergency after-hours line.
“We will now be able to provide teleservice support to our out-of-state students and other students in an effort to minimize wait lists,” said Drummer-Ferrell. “This is an exciting service to provide, and I know it will have a positive impact on our students, especially during such a critical time!”
The services available within Counseling and Psychological Services include:
TELEPSYCHOLOGY
Counselors and psychologists at Counseling and Psychological Services offer telepsychology via phone and/or video. While walk-in services are currently unavailable in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, crisis intervention, counseling, assessment and consultation services are provided through telepsychology.
Kent Campus students can call 330-672-2487 if they are interested in seeking services or want to consult with a mental health professional. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Regional Campus students may contact the mental health providers on their campus for mental health services. Students have six sessions that are covered in a year.
VIRTUAL GROUP COUNSELING
Free virtual groups are offered to help students build emotional resilience and cope with anxiety and stress. To register for these groups, visit the group counseling website.
AFTER-HOURS CARE
When students call into the Counseling and Psychological Services main line (330-672-2487) after hours, including weekends and holiday breaks, students will have access to opt in to the university's nonemergency after-hours care services. Students will be able to choose to speak with a licensed counselor from IMPACT Solutions. Those who have an emergency are encouraged to dial 911 to get more immediate assistance.
ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING
A free and confidential online mental health screening is available 24 hours a day throughout the year. Upon completion of the screening, participants are provided with feedback, referrals and resources for mental health treatment if appropriate. For the online screening, visit the mental health screening website.
For more information on Counseling and Psychological Services, visit its website.