CC Statement of Support & Resources for Our Community

Information & Resources

We recognize some students may share identities that have been disproportionately affected by current events. Please see below for examples of resources which may be of interest, as well as information about CC services that can provide support.  

This list is not exhaustive and may not address the unique needs of all members of our JMU community who may feel impacted right now because of the identities that they hold. While we are committed to continually updating this information, we encourage you to reach out to our Center (540-568-6552) if you would like support in connecting with services or resources not yet listed.  

Please know that the resources below are not endorsed by the CC and the CC is not responsible for the content of or service(s) provided by these resources. 

Coping with Racism Related Stress & Trauma:

• Coping with Violence, Trauma & Tragedy from JED Campus Foundation
• The Steve Fund responds to the nation's climate on race & resources
• Radical Self-Care in the Face of Mounting Racial Stress
• Coping with Racism-Related Stress from University of Illinois
• Boston College Racial Trauma Toolkit

 Black/African-American Students:

• Black Mental Wellness
  Provides access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, as well as training opportunities for students and professionals. 
• Black Mental Health Alliance
  Provides information and resources to develop, promote, and sponsor trusted culturally relevant educational forums, trainings and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and other vulnerable communities.
• Black Men Heal
  Limited and selective free mental health service opportunities for Black men. 
• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
  Group aimed at removing the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing. They do this through education, training, advocacy and the creative arts. 
• Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
  BLHF launched a COVID-19 Free Virtual Therapy Support Campaign. Individuals with live-changing stressors and anxiety related to the coronavirus will have the cost of up to 5 individual sessions defrayed on a first come, first serve basis until all funds are committed or exhaused.
• Brother You're on My Mind
  An initiative launched by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and NIMHD to raise awareness of the mental health challenges associated with depression and stress that affect African American mena nd families. They offer an online toolkit that provides Omega Psi Phi Fraternity chapters with the materials needed to educate fellow fraternity brothers and community members on depression and stress in African American men.
• Unapologetically Us
  Online community for African American women to seek support. 
• POC Online Classroom
  Contains readings on the importance of self-care, mental health care, and healing for people of color and within activist movements.
• Sista Afya
  Organization that provides mental wellness education, resource connection and community support for Black women 
• Black Girls Smile
  Provides resources linking individuals to local, national and global organizations and entities that promote mental wellness through general or specific initiatives.  

The Counseling Center offers a wide range of services designed to support students in their personal and professional endeavors with the goal of promoting well-being in all aspects of life. Students experienceing recent and/or ongoing oppression, aggression, microaggressions, and discrimination during their academic careers may wish to access more information on strategies for:

• Managing stress
• Coping with traumatic experiences
• Anxiety
• Depression

In fact, these are common reasons why students seek counseling services here on campus. The Counseling Center offers free, confidential counseling to any student who is interested in receiving additional support.

Services at the CC can include:

Individual & Couples Counseling

Individual counseling provides students with a safe and confidential environment. Counseling at the Counseling Center is a collaborative endeavor in which the counselor and client work together to identify goals and directions for treatment.

Treatment Programs

The Counseling Center offers several 3-week specialized treatment programs to assist students in reducing anxiety symptoms, improving mood, increasing resiliency, and improving self-care. These programs include numerous evidence-based strategies and interventions. They are one of the quickest ways to reduce symptoms and access clinical services.

Group Counseling

During the Fall and Spring Semesters of each academic year, the Counseling Center offers confidential group counseling designed to provide support. During the Fall 2020 semester, the CC has expanded the telehealth support groups we offer. In addition to groups that were offered in the past, current support groups are available for: international students, students of color, intercollegiate athletes & immune-compromised students or students with health concerns.

Consultation Services

Consultation services are available to students as well as friends, faculty, staff, and family members. These services can help provide an understanding of the available Counseling Center services and how to help support students. To access these services, please contact the Counseling Center and request a consultation, by phone or in person, for you or about someone you know.