Follow DrewCounseling (that’s us!) and DrewStuAct (Drew Student Activities) on Instagram.

Drew Student Activities Created a Quarantine Virtual Survival Guide which includes a list of virtual activities, events, and meet-ups.

Don’t forget our Self Help Resource Page!

There are some free resources from Calm.com: https://www.calm.com/blog/take-a-deep-breath

Of course, mindfulness practice can be very helpful: https://www.mindful.org/how-mindfulness-can-help-you-navigate-the-coronavirus-panic/

Active Minds has some online resources for university students.

Scientific American posted an article on how to preserve your mental health while avoiding physical proximity: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-prevent-loneliness-in-a-time-of-social-distancing/

The American Psychological Association features Baruch Fischhoff, Ph.D. with an audio podcast on coronavirus anxiety. Find it at https://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/coronavirus-anxiety It’s worth a listen to.

You can email or call and set up an on-line intake meeting with a therapist online. If you are not feeling safe, call 911 (in the US), 973-408-3379 (Public Safety) if you are on campus, or go to your hospital emergency room.

We will still have crisis times available every day.  Email us to clarify a time since we can be flexible. If it is a life or death emergency, or you are not feeling safe, call one of the emergency numbers above or go to your local emergency room.

Our email for an appointment is counseling@drew.edu and our phone is 973-408-3398. If you call, you will be asked to leave a voicemail with your name and phone number.

During the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, Drew Counseling and Psychological Services will attempt to maintain continuity with your counseling sessions. Your therapist will provide remote therapy sessions at your regularly scheduled time.

You will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone in order to use the communication software that is fully protected. If you don’t have good internet access, we can conduct your session with a phone call. You should also arrange to be in a quiet, private space where you are comfortable talking with your therapist for that time.

Doxy.me is a telemedicine video conferencing website that was created for doctors and therapists to privately and confidentially video chat with their patients. It is compliant with both HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and the HITECH Act (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act).

Note: Doxy.me or Zoom cannot be used for emergencies or to contact the therapist between scheduled sessions. In case of emergency on campus, call Public Safety 973-408-4444 or, if off-campus, call 911.

How to Use Doxy.me for Remote Therapy

In order to start therapy:

1. Your therapist will send a link to your Drew email before your session.
2. Clicking on this link at the beginning of your scheduled session time will take you directly to your therapist’s private, confidential Doxy.me account.
3. You will be prompted by Doxy.me to type in your name so your therapist can see that you have checked into their “waiting room.”
4. After you have done this, your therapist can begin the session.

In Case of Technology Failure

If your scheduled appointment is prevented or disrupted due to technical complications, please email your therapist at their Drew account.

Although not ideal, we can make other arrangements for remote therapy via telephone. Remember many cell phone companies are increasing their services without charging during the crisis. (pcworld.com/article/3532817/which-internet-providers-are-lifting-data-caps-during-the-coronavirus-and-which-arent.html)

In a time of quarantine and social-distancing, your Counseling Center has adjusted services to continue to provide you the best supportive care.  We are here to help you navigate every stage along the way.  The option of teletherapy requires creativity.  Below are some tips and suggestions in getting the most out of your remote counseling sessions.

Carve Out a Safe Space

• Talk to your roommate about wanting to schedule some private/alone time in your room. You don’t need to explain or share more than that.
• Use earbuds or noise-canceling headphones to increase confidentiality.  If needed, ask your roommate to wear headphones.  
• If you have a car, that can be another option for a private and confidential space. 
• During agreeable weather, go for a walk during your counseling session on one of Drew’s paths or close by and talk with your counselor on the phone.  You will be providing yourself with 2 forms of positive self-care at the same time!

Be Flexible with your platforms for teletherapy

• Depending on the weather, schedules, etc. phone calls, for example, may be another option to use from time to time.
• Remote counseling can offer creative options, such as sharing videos, TedTalks, worksheets, books to read, and creative therapies towards your treatment goals. 
• Expect a transition period and some awkwardness at first as you get used to a new way of interacting with your counselor.  Be patient with yourself and your counselor.

Communicate with you Counselor

• Keep an open line of communication. Share any cultural needs you have or uncomfortable feelings using remote counseling.
• Share your emotions.  Nonverbal cues are more difficult to observe.  Online counseling is good practice to name your emotions.
• Share questions on how to use remote counseling and what is helpful or unhelpful.  Your counselor values your feedback on how you feel teletherapy is helping, or not.  

Crisis help information.