Welcome to the fall semester! Despite a global pandemic, you made it. But how are you? All the stuff happening outside the classroom can feel really overwhelming right now. Establishing a healthy routine and practicing good habits will come in handy amid the chaos that is 2020. Before you get too busy with your classes, get acquainted with the well-being resources on campus to help you thrive. 

Your first stop should be the Wellness Resource Center (WRC). Their team of experienced professionals are dedicated to helping you find balance, calm and community. While the WRC works really hard to meet student needs especially during the current pandemic, it’s important to note that they do not offer counseling or psychological services. 

Take this online mental health screening to help determine if you should connect with a mental health professional. If you decide that you need more support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tuttleman Counseling Services to access counseling and psychological services. If you’re not sure what’s best for you, definitely start with WRC. They can listen and refer you to the resource that will be most helpful. 

Keep reading to see all the great events, opportunities and services available to you.

Wellness Resource Center
This semester, all of the center’s events are virtual. Interactive Zoom rooms and Instagram Live programming explore ways for you to cultivate a better sleep routine, manage stress and even attend training to get the skills and confidence to help a friend in crisis. These are just a few of the topics you can check out through WRC programming.

You can stop by the center (yes, even now) for print resources and safer sex supplies but please call or email to set up a wellness consultation. *HIV testing is on hold during the pandemic but you can still get a rapid HIV test at Student Health Services.

• Wellness Week
  Usually relegated to one day, this biannual event has morphed into a whole week this year, with virtual programming from Sept. 21–25. This year’s events get started with a true crowd pleaser: therapy dogs! Although there won’t be any petting because the event is online, get ready to smile.
   
• Sexual Assault Prevention Summit
  The center is really excited about this. It’s their first summit ever. It’s three hours long, but you can drop in and out. Each hour will feature a different conversation about ending sexual violence. Register now. 
  
  Would you like to share your ideas on how to create positive change or cultivate community during the summit? The center has created space for student voices. The deadline to submit a proposal to speak is Tuesday, Sept. 8. Find out more.
  
  Want to access programming on your own time? The WRC just launched two new on-demand programs focused on self-care and managing loneliness.
   
• Get More Involved
  Would you like to get more involved with the center and its work? How about helping promote general well-being across the Temple community? Or shaping the center’s programming so that it really resonates with fellow Owls? The WRC makes it easy! 
  
  Become a HEART Peer. That stands for Health Education Awareness Resource Team. HEART Peers lead crucial conversations on campus. The confidence and experience you will gain in public speaking, community organizing and event/program planning is all gravy. And once you become a Peer Educator, you can apply for paid positions within the center as well. Learn more about the steps of becoming a Certified Peer Educator.

Tuttleman Counseling Services
Tuttleman Counseling Services (TCS) offers mental health support to all currently enrolled Temple undergraduate, graduate and professional school students. An informal yet professional atmosphere provides students with a safe space to seek help. Assistance is confidential and free of charge.  

TCS is offering the following counseling services remotely at this time. 

• Remote group counseling
  If you aren't ready for individual counseling or just prefer to work alongside fellow Owls, group counseling is an option that can help to normalize your experience and reduce loneliness. Develop self-awareness, learn new skills and connect with others through group sessions led by knowledgeable therapists. 
   
• Skill based therapy groups
  Learn and practice various skills like self-compassion, letting go, and authenticity in these semester-long, 50 minute sessions to develop psychological well-being. 
   
• Yoga and meditation groups
  Yoga and meditation are highly effective tools for reducing stress. Breathing exercises, yoga poses, meditation, mindfulness and relaxation are included in each class. Side effects may include an increased ability to focus, self-soothe and respond more effectively to uncomfortable situations. 
  
  Find out more about their weekly yoga classes appropriate for all levels. 
   
• Interpersonal Process Groups 
  Share and connect with peers in groups based on different topics including autism, body image, family, LGBTQIA+, sex and love, and substance abuse. 
  
  Interpersonal process groups require prescreening and registration. Members are asked to commit to attending for the full length of the group. Learn more about Interpersonal Process Group Therapy and how to access this resource.
   
• Individual Counseling
  Individual counseling is beneficial for a host of reasons. Work cooperatively with a Tuttleman counselor to address your concern and create realistic goals for feeling better. Students generally have weekly visits but you can be seen more or less based on your needs.
  
  Don’t worry, confidentiality is paramount at Tuttleman. No one outside of TCS counselors would have access to your counseling records without your written permission.  
   
• Psychiatric Services
  These services include psychiatric evaluations, medication consultations and short-term individual psychotherapy.  To access psychiatric services, you must come through the Walk-In Clinic and have an initial assessment completed with a counselor.  
   
• Referrals
  If you feel more comfortable receiving counseling off campus or need specialized services not offered by TCS, you can request a referral. 
  
  Tuttleman Counseling Services are also available on Ambler’s campus. Call 215- 204-7276 for more information.         
   

Learn how to access TCS services.

Remember to practice physical distancing and properly wear a face covering when visiting any campus buildings.