While beginning a new semester can be stressful on its own, dealing with the complications the COVID-19 pandemic presents can exacerbate the stress many are feeling. If the stress and anxiety are impacting your mental health and wellness, there are resources available on campus for the entire URI community.

In addition to the URI Counseling Center, the College of Health Sciences also offers places for students, faculty and staff members to help them through this time. The Psychological Consultation Center is a mental health service, research and training facility that serves both URI and the greater community. It offers individual treatment, adult assessment services, and a specialty clinic for children with anxiety. The Couple and Family Therapy Clinic offers specialized expertise in relationship and family issues, providing confidential relationship enhancement and counseling. Graduate students, supervised by licensed clinicians, serve as the counselors in both clinics.

Both clinics continue to serve their clients despite the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a vital, virtual connection to those dealing with mental health challenges. The graduate student clinicians and licensed psychologists who oversee them are meeting with their clients regularly via Webex, allowing for the face-to-face contact critical to the counseling process. In addition, counselors conduct check-ins by phone as needed with clients.

Fees for services at both clinics are on a sliding scale according to income, and URI students can access the consultation center’s services for a flat fee of $5 per session. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 401-874-4263 or visit the center’s website. Couples, families and individuals with relationship issues looking for support can contact the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic at 401-874-5956 or visit the clinic’s website. URI students can also access the URI Counseling Center Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 401-874-2288 or visiting the website.