Making Mental Health a Priority

Students’ mental health is a top priority at Northeast Ohio Medical University’s Center for Student Wellness and Counseling Services.

At the Ohio Town and Gown conference held in Kent, Ohio last month, Jennifer Dougall, Ph.D., director of counseling services, and Stephanie Orwick, assistant director of counseling services, discussed why mental health and community are such important topics.

The conference, held at the Kent State Hotel and Conference Center, focuses on bringing together police, communities and colleges within their local communities.

“Many of the things we do in the work of counseling is referring students out to community resources and to get them out off campus and enjoy their life beyond their professional identity,” Dr. Dougall said in a recent Record-Courier article.

This academic year, the CSWCS plans to introduce a part-time psychiatrist, an additional full-time professional counselor, extended hours for direct counseling, tele behavioral counseling services and TAO Connect (Therapy Assistance Online) — a self-guided tool developed by the National Science Foundation to help maintain mental and emotional well-being.

Read more about the Ohio Town and Gown conference in a recent Record-Courier article.