Durham Tech prioritizes student wellness during COVID-19, mental health resources available

As college students struggle to balance job loss, financial strains, childcare, and classes during COVID-19, Durham Tech is providing mental health support during these uncertain times.

The Counseling and Student Development Department provides virtual counseling services, including phone calls and video chats for students.

“We must know how to help students navigate through these challenges while offering them real life coping skills to ease anxiety, confusion, sadness, isolation, and financial instability,” said Karen Mosley, Coordinator for Counseling Services at Durham Tech.

Mosley added that students have been using counseling services at an increased rate since the start of COVID-19, expressing the high emotional and physical toll that the pandemic continues to have on their lives.

“While some students are more self-aware and open about their struggles, others have masked their mental health needs because their basic needs have caused them to be in survival mode,” Mosley said. “The need to keep a roof over their head, food on the table and then wondering how to do it all over again the next month has been exhausting for many students.”

In September, the College partnered with McLaughlin Young Group, an independent provider of wellness services, to offer the Student Wellness Line. This service was made possible under the Student Assistance Program with the State Board of Community Colleges, and provides students with access to counselors 24/7 at no cost.

“We appreciate the support of the State Board of Community Colleges in providing funds to make these services available to our students and their families; their support acknowledges the importance of our need to take care of ourselves and each other as we navigate through these uncertain times,” said Dr. Christine Kelly-Kleese, Vice President for Student Engagement, Development, and Support at Durham Tech.

The service is available for students who are in credit certificate, diploma, and degree programs; in College and Career Readiness programs; and in noncredit courses and programs, and their immediate family members.

“The Student Wellness Line is a great compliment to what we do for students,” Mosley said. “We want to give students access to all possible resources and this new service enables us to provide an all hands on deck approach with continued wraparound services.”

Faculty members are also uniquely connected to students. If a faculty member is approached by a student for assistance, they can create a student counseling referral.

“Take care of yourself first,” Mosley said of her advice to students. “Seek out counseling, tutoring, student support groups, parenting groups, and student interest groups to help remain focused. Stay committed to your personal and academic goals and do not give up on your dreams.”

Additional support services include food assistance, computer/internet assistance, tutoring, emergency financial assistance, financial coaching, and student interest groups.

For questions about counseling services, call 919-536-7200, ext. 1408 or email counseling@durhamtech.edu.
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Contact Marcy Gardner, Content and Social Media Coordinator, at gardnerm@durhamtech.edu