Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is expanding its counseling services to students experiencing stress and other mental health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to TAMIU associate director of student counseling services, Rosabel Ramos, the demand for student mental health services during the crisis. She also remarked that the school immediately adapted, providing teletherapy services for the safety of its students.
“Most students mentioned having difficulty with the pandemic at the beginning of the changes,” Ramos explained in a press release. “While some students still disclose anxiety or other difficulties due to COVID-19, others seem to have adapted and found safe alternatives to meet their needs.”
As part of the expansion initiative, TAMIU said it will provide in-person and virtual counseling sessions, a 24/7 crisis line, additional training, and a self-help platform for students dealing with COVID-related anxiety and stress.
Ramos stated that mental health professionals at the university are prepared for a possible influx of students seeking assistance. She advises students to schedule a consultation appointment if they experience difficulties.
Other Services and Tools for Students
According to Ramos, TAMIU has developed other services and tools that can help students solve mental health on their own in case they do not prefer to seek outside help.
One such initiative is Therapy Assistance Online (TAO), in which students will have access to an online platform of fun and educational videos, interactive exercises, and practice tools to cope with anxiety.
The university has also developed a self-care packet that offers several ways for students to practice stress management while navigating COVID-19 concerns.
“We’ve also taken on certification as mental health first aid instructors, which allows us to then certify students and our TAMIU community to become mental health first aiders by attending training,” Ramos remarked. “We continue to provide individual, couple, and family counseling services as well as other educational resources such as presentations and information resources.”
The university encourages students to register with TAO for free or simply visit the school’s official website.