Psychological Services at Kent State University is now Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Psychological Services at Kent State University is enhancing its mental health services, and, in the process, is changing its name to better reflect its scope of practice.
Unveiling Counseling and Psychological Services – or CAPS – comes at a time when, over the summer, the Division of Student Affairs underwent a reorganization process. According to the Director, Counseling and Psychological Services, Dr. Pamela Farer-Singleton, it signaled the right time to make a change. “With Psychological Services reporting to [Dean of Students] Dr. Talea 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 to the fact 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 will also signal the beginning of a partnership with IMPACT Student Assistance Program, who will assist CAPS in an expanded capacity by providing additional counseling support to students, including an 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 initiative to provide this service, and I know it will have a positive impact on our students, especially during such a critical time!”
CAPS Services include:
Telepsychology
CAPS counselors and psychologists 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. The clinical staff in CAPS will complete an initial assessment for students requesting services, and will guide students to services based on their needs.
Students on the Kent Campus can call 330-672-2487 if they are interested in seeking services or want to consult with a mental health professional. Office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. As usual, students on the regional campuses may contact the mental health providers on their campuses for mental health services. Students have six sessions that are covered in a year.
Virtual Groups
Free virtual groups are offered to students via Microsoft Teams. Students may register for groups here.
Anxiety and Stress during COVID-19: Tuesdays, 4 – 5 p.m.
Art of Coping: Building Emotional Resilience: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
After Hours Care
When students call into the Counseling and Psychological Services main line at (330) 672-2487 after hours, over the weekends, or during holiday breaks, students will have access to opt-in to our after hours care services. Students will be able to choose to speak with a licensed counselor from Impact Solutions. This service will be available across all eight campuses through each campuses’ mental health provider area.
Online Mental Health Screening
A free, 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. The online screening can be accessed here.
As always, if you or someone you know is in imminent danger, and/or you need medical attention, you should dial 9-1-1 for immediate help.
For more information on Counseling and Psychological Services, please visit https://www.kent.edu/CAPS
Black History Month Events at Kent State University Geauga and Twinsburg Academic Center
Geauga/Twinsburg – Black History Month — or National African American History Month — is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S history. The Association for the Study of Negro Life initiated the first variation of Black History month with Negro History Week in 1926. In 1970, according to the Kent Stater, Kent State University began the observance of Black History Month. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
Join us for special Black History Month virtual presentations by Kent State Geauga and the Twinsburg Academic Center throughout the month of February to pay tribute to generations of African Americans whose contributions to society continue to reap benefits for us all.
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Noon – 1 p.m.
LeShaun Smedley, Presentation on Kroger Supplier Inclusion
Hear from LeShaun Smedley, Manager, Corporate Supplier Diversity for The Kroger Co., to gain a better understanding of supplier inclusion in the corporate world.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kroger-supplier-inclusion-how-kroger-works-with-minority-owned-businesses-tickets-138478519981
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Noon – 1 p.m.
The Museum of the American Revolution presents “The Same Principle Lives in Us”
American Revolutionaries struggled with a key question: would the words of the Declaration of Independence, that “all men are created equal,” apply to all people?” From the outbreak of the Revolution, people of African descent asked and answered this question through their words and actions. In this talk, hear the stories and explore the objects that we use at the Museum to help imagine what the Revolution was like for Phillis Wheatley, Elizabeth Freeman, James Forten, Harry Washington and others. Register.
These Black History Month events are free and open to the public. Registration is required to receive the links to join the events.
Business Leadership Training Extended to Twinsburg and Nordonia Communities
Speaker Series Presented by Partnership between Kent State University Twinsburg Academic Center and the Twinsburg and Nordonia Hills Chambers of Commerce
The Business Leadership Training (BLT) was a new guest speaker series and a dynamic networking opportunity for the Twinsburg community that kicked off in January 2020. Due to the pandemic, only the January 2020 training took place in-person. However, the bi-monthly training continued with members of the community meeting virtually via Zoom technology.
To expand outreach to the greater community, Kent State Twinsburg Academic Center and the Twinsburg Chamber of Commerce has invited the Nordonia Hills Chamber of Commerce to be a part of the BLT partnership. “This leadership development program is designed for anyone at any point in their career,” says Amy Murfello, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager at Kent State Twinsburg Academic Center. “This is a perfect program for those looking to gain information on topics that experienced or emerging leaders face.”
The first program of 2021 is titled Building Inclusion: Understanding LGBTQ+ Barriers in the Workplace, and is scheduled via Zoom on January 21 from noon – 1 p.m. Mahli Xuan Mechenbier from the department of English, Kent State Twinsburg Academic Center, will facilitate a mindful conversation about progress in the LGBTQ+ community; the impact of gender identification in workplace communication; preferred terminology and definitions; and resources to share with employers.
The next presentation is scheduled for Thursday, March 18, from noon – 1 PM. Drs. Robert Antenucci and Sean Ratican of Kent State University will talk about leadership challenges being faced due to the pandemic.
Registration is required. Please email amurfell@kent.edu. Or visit https://www.twinsburgchamber.com/ or http://nordoniahillschamber.org/ and view ‘events’ to register.
Campus Culture Survey Closes February 19
Earlier this month you received an invitation to participate in the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Changing Campus Culture survey. Many thanks to those who have already completed the survey! If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to complete the survey as it helps to guide our university efforts to better respond to and prevent sexual and relationship violence.
The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. Your responses are anonymous. Your name will not be connected in any way with your responses, and no identifying information from the computer on which you take the survey will be collected.
At the end of the survey, you will have the opportunity to enter into a drawing for a $25 gift card of your choice as appreciation for your participation.
Because this survey covers the topic of sexual and relationship violence, some of the questions may be personal. If you feel uncomfortable, you may stop at any point. If you need to speak with someone, Kent State offers the following services:
- For gender/sexual harassment guidance, consultation, or reporting information visit the Title IX information website. Email - titleix@kent.edu or Phone - 330-672-2038.
- SRVSS (Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services) - 330-672-8016
- For Kent Campus specific resources visit the SRVSS website
Thank you, in advance, for your participation in this survey.
The Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, a state level partner in the Ohio Department of Education's Changing Campus Culture initiative, is administering the survey for us. This survey will be made available until February 19, 2021.
Questions regarding the survey may be directed to: Tiffany Murray, Title IX Coordinator. She can be reached at tmurray@kent.edu and/or 330-672-2038.
Resources for Heart Health
Healthy Heart Week begins today, Feb. 8! Healthy Heart Week will take place Feb. 8-12 and feature a full week of virtual programming designed to address lifestyle factors that influence heart health and steps we can take to prevent heart disease among men, women and children. Click here for the full list of offerings and to register.
In addition to Healthy Heart Week webinars, Employee Wellness has highlighted several resources below, which are available to support employees in practicing regular self-care and prevention. Well-established strategies for preventing heart disease include proper nutrition, regular movement, refraining from or quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress. It is also important to monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as manage any other chronic diseases, such as diabetes.
Nutrition Counseling & Health Coaching
Meeting with a dietitian or health coach can help you take meaningful steps toward your wellness goals. During an individualized session, you choose the topic you want to discuss, and your health coach or registered dietitian provides support and accountability through an evidence-based approach. Full time, benefits eligible faculty and staff can schedule a session by logging into the Be Well portal and clicking on the link for nutrition counseling and health coaching under "My Appointments." Full- and part-time employees and family members can request nutrition counseling or life coaching through Impact Solutions by calling 800-227-6007.
Smoking Cessation Resources
Nicotine replacement therapy and tobacco cessation medication is covered in full with no co-pay or co-insurance under the CVS prescription drug plan for all employees and their covered dependents. Click here for additional cessation resources, including free comprehensive quit programs and self-help apps.
Livongo Diabetes Management
If you have diabetes, you're twice as likely to have heart disease than someone who doesn't have diabetes – and at a younger age. Employees and dependents covered under the university's prescription plan with CVS can join the Livongo Diabetes Management program free of charge. The program includes an advanced glucose meter, unlimited test strips and supplies, and access to expert advice from Certified Diabetes Educators.
Mindfulness, Physical Activity and Nutrition Resources
At the onset of remote work at Kent State, Employee Wellness compiled a list of free virtual resources to support employee health and well-being while working from home. Click here to discover apps, YouTube channels and more.
For questions regarding wellness offerings and resources for faculty and staff, please contact Employee Wellness at wellness@kent.edu or 330-672-0392.