Campus Mental Health Services
Posted August 28, 2020
August 28, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
We live in a broken world. We’ve reflected on the notes we have sent out to the community over the past year and want to acknowledge the impact of on-going conflict among groups on the basis of social identities (e.g., religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, race) across the globe. From the synagogue shooting in Australia last August to the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor earlier this year, it has felt like an unceasing wave. And then the pandemic hit. The recent shooting of Jacob Blake serves as yet another reminder of just how unsafe our country can be, especially for Black Americans.
In writing today, I want to honor a few knowns: 1) Everyone is experiencing pain, discomfort, loss of loved ones and/or perceived normalcy, and uncertainty. 2) In addition to these concerns, our Black colleagues are experiencing the additional challenges associated with racial battle fatigue, cultural taxation, cultural trauma and general minority stress.
As such, it is high time we acknowledge that we can neither be student ready, nor put their needs first if ours are not being met, and if we are exhausted and dysregulated.
Since mental health and well-being are absolutely foundational to our existence, I have asked Dr. Courtney Boddie to move forward immediately in creating campus-based access to a mental health provider for our SIUE faculty and staff. As you know, Courtney’s office already provides robust mental health services for our students.
I want to thank Courtney for his quick action in expanding services. Starting next week, please expect the following:
- A search is commencing immediately in hopes of having someone on board and trained by the end of next week.
- This external hire will be an independently-licensed clinical professional counselor, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or clinical psychologist. We are recruiting for a generalist with specialty training, interest and experience with survivors of various forms of traumatization. This approach will offer flexibility in addressing a wide range of presenting concerns, as we learn how the University can best serve the psychological needs of its personnel.
- Assuming a recruitment and on-boarding experience consistent with our plans, support for faculty and staff will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Please expect an update if these plans alter.
- I know you may be concerned about privacy and confidentiality with the prospect of campus-based services. To resolve this issue, we will be using a separate scheduling, charting and HIPAA-compliant video conference system than that used for students.
- To enhance the accessibility of care and to protect the physical health of all parties, appointments will be through telehealth only. This will also help to enhance privacy.
- As of now, faculty and staff will not be charged for these appointments.
- An email providing an infographic that, at a minimum, will overview service offerings (e.g., individual, group, and “Zoom-In” options) and steps for accessing this form of mental healthcare, will be forthcoming.
I also recognize that you may be interested in directly connecting with care in the community. To do so, the following organizations’ websites have been linked below.
Best wishes,
Randy Pembrook
Chancellor
