University Counseling Center to Host Pair of September Mental Health Awareness Events

University Counseling Center to Host Pair of September Mental Health Awareness Events

The University Counseling Center is kicking off the fall semester with a pair of events aimed at raising mental health awareness, building community and connecting students with resources to support their well-being.

On Thursday, Sept. 10, the Counseling Center will host the fifth annual Light Up the Night from 3 to 7 p.m. at Centennial Mall. This event, which promotes mental health education and suicide prevention, also includes a petting zoo, free chair massages and a DJ.

Later in the month, the Counseling Center will host an open house at the University Health Center, giving students, faculty, staff and campus partners a chance to tour the center, meet the staff and learn more about its services. The event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, with presentations at 12:15 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:15 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.

The University Counseling Center has expanded its staff this year, adding more licensed counselors to improve students' access to care.

"We want to show our students that we're here for them and that we're invested in their overall well-being, both in and out of the classroom," said Dr. La Tasha Sullivan, director of the Counseling Center. "These opportunities give the campus community a chance to meet us and learn more about how we can help them thrive - mentally, emotionally and socially."

Light Up the Night, which is co-hosted by the Office of Recreational Services, provides students an overview of on-campus wellness resources in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

In addition to the petting zoo, music and car smash, the event emphasizes the importance of recognizing mental health concerns and knowing where to turn for support. Mental health screenings will be available from 3 to 5 p.m. Counseling Center staff, as well as campus and community partners, will be available to answer questions, share resources and connect students with services.

With the University Counseling Center now part of UToledo Health, this year's event also will include health screenings, information about sexually transmitted infection testing and representatives from the Student Health Center and UToledo Health outpatient pharmacies.

The University Counseling Center is the primary student mental health resource on campus, offering individual and group counseling with in-person and virtual options, self-help resources and crisis care services.

"We want to provide care and support for our students whenever they need it, wherever they are," Sullivan said. "In addition to their academics, many students also have jobs and other family or social responsibilities. Some are caregivers. It can be a lot, and we want to make sure we're giving them the tools they need to take care of their mental health."

Enrolled students can receive a free consultation and up to six free counseling sessions per academic year. Students can make an appointment by visiting the University Counseling Center website or calling 419.530.2426.

In-person crisis support is available Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. at the University Counseling Center. Those looking for in-person crisis support are asked to call 419.530.2426 prior to arrival when possible.

Additionally, students have access to free 24/7 crisis support through UToledo's Mental Health Crisis Support Line at 419.530.2274.

Through the University's partnership with Mantra, students also have access to self-help tools and after-hours, on-demand support, including virtual consultations from 8 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, excluding major holidays.

More information about Mantra is available on the Counseling Center website or by visiting Mantra Health online.

The University Counseling Center is located in the University Health Center at 1735 W. Rocket Drive.

If you or someone you know is thinking or talking about suicide, call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.