The disruption, isolation and loss caused by the pandemic can be difficult. If you are struggling to cope, the University is here to help. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe want students \u2013 and others \u2013 to know that they are not alone,\u201d says Marie Cascarano, coordinator of Health Promotion.<\/p>\n
Students can access a variety of resources, from traditional counseling to support groups, to fun social activities and videos, to downloadable apps through Counseling and Psychological Services<\/a> (CAPS) and the Office of Health Promotion<\/a>. CAPS also provides referrals and consultations for faculty and staff. <\/p>\n Counselors are available for students 24\/7. Call CAPS at 973-655-5211. If calling after hours (including nights, weekends, holiday breaks and during weather closings), choose option 2 to connect to a licensed mental-health counselor.<\/p>\n All employees can get free, confidential assistance for themselves and their families from the University\u2019s Employee Assistance Program<\/a>, which is provided by Atlantic Health System. To schedule a free, confidential appointment, call 800-242-7371. Additional resources<\/a> for employees can be found through Human Resources\u2019 Restart Employee Resources<\/a> page.<\/p>\n Members of the University community are encouraged to look out for each other. \u201cIt’s clear that students are experiencing a great deal of stress and isolation,\u201d says Writing Professor Emily Isaacs, who is also executive director of the Office for Faculty Development. She notes that \u201cthe University classroom \u2013 wherever it may be \u2013 remains a place we need to connect as human beings.\u201d <\/p>\n “Faculty feel enormous empathy for students. Many of us are really struggling, too, with loss, fear, isolation, over-work, worry,\u201d she says. \u201cSo we get it, and we want to help.\u201d<\/p>\n More Mental Health Support<\/a>: Contact CAPS during or after business hours if you need assistance. Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 973-655-5211. After Hours Support<\/strong>: You can always reach a qualified clinician. After hours (including nights, weekends, holiday breaks and during weather closings) licensed mental-health counselors are available for crisis. Call 973-655-5211 and choose OPTION 2<\/strong> to be immediately connected to a counselor.<\/p>\n Follow the Office of Health Promotion on Instagram<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Facebook<\/a> and Tik Tok<\/a>. For more information, including Zoom links, contact Dr. Marie Cascarano at cascaranom@montclair.edu<\/a>. <\/p>\n Find links to outside resources here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Story by Staff Writer Mary Barr Mann<\/a><\/p>\n Related reading:<\/strong>Resources through Counseling and Psychological Services<\/a> (CAPS) and the Office of Health Promotion<\/a>:<\/h2>\n
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\nMental Health Month: Creating Space for Humanity<\/a>
\nTaking Care of Your Mental Health During COVID-19<\/a><\/p>\n