St. Clair County Community College is expanding its mental health support network as an increasing number of college students nationwide are experiencing growing mental health and wellness needs.
In addition to available appointments with the SC4 Student Wellness team, students can now access telehealth sessions 24/7 with a licensed, diverse network of mental health counselors through BetterMynd.
The telehealth sessions are 50 minutes, private, confidential, and can take place on a laptop or smartphone. Five telehealth sessions are free and available for any active SC4 student, and five more additional sessions may be granted by contacting studentwellness@sc4.edu. (Continued services are available for an out-of-pocket fee.)
BetterMynd—which is not to be used for emergencies—also provides free self-help resources and group workshops to current students.
“We want to provide our students with the mental health and wellness resources they need to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle—and to succeed in an academic environment,” said Director of Student Wellness David Goetze. “The past few years have been very challenging for many of our students. BetterMynd will help enhance our offerings and provide students with even greater access and support.”
With more than “70 percent of community college students experiencing emotional distress, stress and/or anxiety due to a lack of basic needs,” SC4 also launched Skip’s Corner Pantry this past spring. Located on the first floor of SC4’s Welcome Center and open during College business hours, Skip’s Corner Pantry is stocked with food and hygiene products that are free to SC4 students.
“Our goal with Skip’s Corner Pantry is to provide students with items they need, whenever they need them,” said Executive Director of DEI, Student Recruitment, Advising and Admissions Jessica Brown. “We don’t require check-in and want to maintain a discreet environment so that students feel comfortable walking in and shopping.”
Additional support at SC4 is provided through many other offices such as Advising, Disability Services, TRIO, Veterans Services, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The DEI Office, for instance, recently began its STRIVE Mentorship Program to help prepare students of all backgrounds for future success by acquiring unique skill sets, learning leadership skills, and building relationships and confidence.
The on-campus SC4 Health Clinic, operated by the St. Clair County Health Department, continues to offer greater access and services to students as well. The clinic provides services for many common health issues and concerns including vaccinations, health screenings, consultations and presentations.
“The more we can do to support our students and their health and well-being needs, the greater opportunities they’ll have for future success,” Goetze said. “That’s our mission, and it’s why we do what we do here at the College each and every day.”
Students in need of immediate assistance are encouraged to call (810) 989-5552 (Director of Student Wellness), the St. Clair County Community Mental Health Mobile Crisis Response Unit at (810) 966-2575, 911 or the 24/7 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential support to people experiencing mental health-related distress, suicidal crisis, emotional distress or substance use crisis.
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