The University of Scranton Counseling Center
COVID-19 Planning – Updated as of June 3, 2020

Effective June 1, the Counseling Center is continuing to work remotely and will reopen on campus when possible. Given the campus closure, the Counseling Center is responding to these changes with updated services as outlined below, and understanding the uncertainty of this situation for students and their families, we have compiled a variety of links to provide support, resources, and hope.
 

To check out these new links, look for the new tab to the left labeled "Remote Royals Resources"
 

The Counseling Center provides free and confidential services for all enrolled undergraduate and graduate students of the University of Scranton. The Center is staffed by licensed psychologists, counselors and social workers. We provide individual and group counseling, consultations, assessment, and crisis intervention for students. The Counseling Center staff also provides after-hour consultative services to the University community. All of these services are provided from the beginning of the Fall semester to the conclusion of the Spring semester, including Intercession. During these summer hours, the Counseling Center still remains available for consultation and support.  For additional information, contact the Counseling Center at (570) 941-7620.

Please note:

The Counseling Center has implemented a new system for new students or students who may be returning after a prolonged absence.

If you are interested in counseling services during the Academic Year, you are welcome to walk in to the Counseling Center at any time between 10:00am and 1:30pm, Monday through Thursday.  When you arrive, you will be asked to complete several forms, some asking you to provide personal information.  After you complete these forms, a counselor will review your information and meet with you for approximately a half hour to assess your current difficulties and reasons for seeking counseling services.  The counselor will provide you with options and recommendations based on your needs.   

This appointment may take up to an hour, so please reserve enough time to complete your first appointment here at the Counseling Center.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 570-941-7620.  If this is an emergency, please utilize University Police at 570-941-7777 or 911.

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm

PLEASE NOTE! that this is an evolving situation!  As we develop our responses based on any changes or find any additional resources for students, they will continue to be posted on our Counseling Center webpage.

Please check back to this page for more information about how our services and availability may change in response to the situation.

Managing Concerns and Emotions about COVID-19

News reports about the coronavirus, together with concerns that the virus could become more widespread, is raising a number of concerns and making some people worry. Learn more about taking care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty at this link:

https://afsp.org/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-in-the-face-of-uncertainty/

HELPFUL TIPS

• Seek accurate information and limit exposure to social media and news reports that provide no new information or inaccurate information. Here are some reliable sources of information:
• https://www.scranton.edu/covid-19/index.shtml
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
  • https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• Keep things in perspective. Take a deep breath and stay focused on what the situation actually is, rather than the worst-case-scenario. It can be helpful to shift your focus to things within your control rather than things outside your control. 
• Acknowledge reactions. Allow yourself time to reflect on what you are feeling and how you may be reacting to any fears and uncertainties.
• Maintain your normal day-to-day activities and keep connected.  Resist withdrawing and isolating yourself.  Maintaining social networks while understanding the strong recommendations for social distancing can foster a sense of normality and provide valuable outlets for sharing feelings and relieving stress. Feel free to share useful information you find on governmental websites with your friends and family. It will help them deal with their own worry. If your day-to-day activities are disrupted by college closings, attempt to create structure in your day by: scheduling a normal bedtime and wake up time; structuring your time with hobbies, homework, reading, etc.; scheduling regular phone/video contact with friends and family.
• Follow the prevention and protection tips given by medical professionals, such as the University’s Student Health Services, national medical authorities, and your own medical doctor.
• Practice calming rituals. Stay grounded in the present moment, which can help you maintain an internal sense of stability and balance when outside events feel threatening.
• Seek supports & use campus resources. Reach out to friends and family. Be aware of campus or department updates as the situation evolves. If you or someone you know has high distress that does not seem to be lessening, talk about it with others, or contact the Counseling Center at 570-941-7620. Your campus community is here to help!
• Avoid stigmatizing or generalizing. Remember to keep in mind the kindness and empathy with which we strive to treat one another at all times as we address this challenge together. Be aware if your behavior or attitudes change towards others from another country, and avoid stigmatizing anyone who is sick as potentially having the Coronavirus.  Often when there is uncertainty, our thoughts can become less compassionate and more fear-based.   

 RECOGNIZING DISTRESS - A SELF-CHECK LIST

• Increased worry, fear, and feelings of being overwhelmed
• Depressive symptoms that persist and/or intensify
• Inability to focus or concentrate accompanied by decreased academic or work performance or performance of other daily activities
• Sleep difficulties
• Excessive crying
• Isolating or withdrawing from others, fear of going into public situations
• Unhealthy coping (e.g., increased alcohol or drug use, engaging in risky/impulsive behaviors)
• A feeling of hopelessness and/or a paralyzing fear about the future
• Sudden anger or irritability, or noticeable changes in personality

 SEEKING SUPPORT

It’s not unusual to experience some — or even several — of the types of distress listed above during times of uncertainly and stress. If you notice these signs in yourself, reach out to family and friends for support, and engage in healthy coping strategies such as:

• Exercising regularly
• Eating well
• Getting adequate sleep
• Practicing yoga or meditation
• Practicing a mindfulness activity
• Taking time for yourself
• Engaging in a hobby or other fun activity