Thanks to a grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, Pittsburgh State University students will soon have access to free online mental health counseling anytime, anywhere.
Counseling is provided by a third party company that provides telehealth services. Students simply log in using their Pitt State University credentials and it’s completely private.
“We already have a great partnership with the Southeast Kansas Community Health Center at the Bryant Student Health Center, which provides counseling during opening hours, but student needs are not always met during those hours. Deatrea Rose, Vice President of Inclusion & Belonging.
Students will continue to receive in-person mental health counseling with on-campus therapists through the Student Health Center, CHC.
“Telemedicine services are instant and there is no need to wait for an appointment. This will only enhance the health center’s efforts and will have a tremendous impact on campus residents,” Rose said. “We are very pleased to be able to offer this.”
Rose noted that this service is especially important for minority students. Minority students are a group that has historically been less likely to receive treatment nationally due to social stigma and lack of access.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly half of white Americans with mental illness receive therapy or counseling. Only 33 percent of Hispanic and Latino communities, 31 percent of Black communities, and 25 percent of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities receive the treatment they need.
Rose said students share the sentiment that they would like to have a more diverse range of therapists to choose from, and this third-party service provides that.
“There will be a menu of choices so that students can choose the characteristics of someone they can relate to, someone who looks like them or who they can relate to,” she says.
In addition to this service, PSU is currently working with the Kansas Department of Community Health to regularly provide therapists within the athletic department, providing immediate access to student-athletes who are under tremendous pressure and stress. said Rose.
“We want students from all walks of life to know that they can’t judge and that if they need help, there are ways to do it,” Rose said.
new student Jadyn Freeman appreciates the aspect of being able to receive counseling in a location where students feel comfortable, such as their dorm room or apartment.
Junior Jayden Wallace appreciates the convenience and expanded options.
“It’s good to have online treatment resources because you can access them instantly and work around your schedule,” Wallace says. “And it’s great to have the option of talking to someone who can relate.”
Rose expects students to be able to access the service in April. Once the system is live, students will be notified via email and social media.
