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Syllabus Mental Health Services Accessibility Statement

Columbia College is committed to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of all our students. Students can utilize the Mental Health Services available at our campus Student Health and Wellness Center.  The Student Health and Wellness Center is located in the Pinyon Building.   Our Mental Health Services program offers no-cost personal counseling with Licensed Therapists for currently enrolled students on a short-term basis. Students can make an appointment for an in-person, zoom, or phone session by calling 209-588-5283.  Drop-ins are welcome at the Center, and will be accommodated when possible.  Mental Health Services are not available 24/7, but other resources are listed on the college Mental Health Services webpage. In addition, Mental Health Services offers outreach programs on a range of mental health and wellness topics, including Stress and Anxiety Management, Test Anxiety, Motivation, Mindfulness, Student Success, Grief and Loss.

Questions and Answers for Faculty

How do I connect a student with Mental Health Services On Campus?

Know our Location:  We are located in in the Student Health and Wellness Center - PINYON, next door to the Student Center.  Across from Child Development.  (We encourage you to bring your students for a quick tour).  You can assist a student to schedule by phone or in-person.  Best phone number is the PINYON front desk 209-588-5283

Easiest and most streamlined way to connect? 

If a student wants to make an appointment the simplest way is to call our main Health Services phone line at 209-588-5283 or stop by Pinyon-Student Health and Wellness Center.  . Or a student can just email ccmhservices@yosemite.edu and one of us will make contact.  

What if it is a Crisis? !!

  • If the student is in crisis you can reach out to us directly and a therapist may be able to come to your location.
  • You can escort the student to our building PINYON. We may have someone available immediately. 
  • Reach out by phone to 209-588-5283 or call Tamara Oxford, Mental Health Coordinator, directly at 209-588-5346.
  • If we do not answer call the Campus Security officer on duty 209-566-5476 (plug that number into your cell phone)
  • Or have the student call 988 - the new National Mental Health support hotline OR call 988 on their behalf.
  • If it is life or death call 911 first.
  • Remember that we are a campus service.  We are NOT a 24/7 Crisis Mental Health facility. 

What if I want to encourage the student to schedule an appointment but they need help following through?  

We suggest the “soft hand-off”. 

What is a “soft hand-off”?  

That means you...

  • personally walk them over to Pinyon; or
  • make an initial phone call on their behalf with the student’s permission and presence; or
  • send an email to ccmhservices@yosemite.edu introducing them to us and requesting one of us reaches out to them. Please include the student’s best contact and personal phone number with their permission.

     

What would a “soft hand off” email look like? 

Example:  Dear MH Services team.  I would like to introduce you to student Jane Doe. She and I have talked and we agree she would benefit from a session with one of the counselors/therapists.  She says that you can use this email (and/or this phone number) to reach her to schedule an appointment.  You can drop me off of this email thread.  Thanks for your help.   

Send this kind of email to ccmhservices@osemite.edu

It really helps us to know which email and phone number the student prefers and that they have agreed to this contact. That way we are not intrusive and we do not risk calling a number that is not private.  Do not use this method in a Crisis!.

What if it is a Crisis? !!

  • If the student is in crisis you can reach out to us directly and a therapist may be able to come to your location.
  • You can escort the student to our building PINYON. We may have someone available immediately. 
  • Reach out by phone to 209-588-5283 or call Tamara Oxford, Mental Health Coordinator, directly at 209-588-5346.
  • If we do not answer call the Campus Security officer on duty 209-566-5476 (plug that number into your cell phone)
  • CNVC Crisis Hotline 209-533-3401  Center for a Non-Violent Community (Domestic Violence support) 
  • Or have the student call 988 - the new National Mental Health support hotline OR call 988 on their behalf.
  • If it is life or death call 911 first.
  • Remember that we are a campus service.  We are NOT a 24/7 Crisis Mental Health facility. 

Can a student just “drop-in” without an appointment?

Yes, but an appointment ensures that someone will be available.

What if it is after normal business hours?

Remember we do NOT have 24/7 crisis support.   Options include: 

  • If it is not an emergency just leave a voicemail or email as indicated above.
  • Call the Campus Administrator on Duty
  • Tuolumne County after hours support (CAIP) Crisis, Assessment, Intervention Program - 209-533-7000
  • Campus Security Officer on Duty 209-566-5476
  • 988 - the new National Mental Health Crisis hotline or 911 - Depending on the severity of the situation.

Is it okay for a student to request a particular therapist on campus?

Yes.   Currently we have these licensed therapists:

Is this confidential for students?

Yes.  With Limitations.  Information may be shared within Mental Health Services (our team), but Mental Health Services information never becomes part of the student’s academic record.  All therapists are licensed and the rules of confidentiality apply. We utilize HIPAA-compliant Electronic Health Records.  Because of that we will not be able to tell you if the student has made an appointment or is benefitting from our services, UNLESS the student gives us permission to do so. If the student is actively suicidal then confidentiality does not apply. The student's W# is reported to data research indicating they utilized the services, but no information beyond that.

What if I just want to consult about a student?

We are happy to consult with you. Please contact the Mental Health Coordinator or one of the other therapists directly.

Are the therapists available for presentations in the classroom?

Yes.  We all love to participate in your classes and can stop by for a quick introduction of our services or provide a relevant presentation on subjects like Anxiety, Text Anxiety, Managing Stress, Nutrition and Mental Health, Overcoming Procrastination, Domestic Violence or any topic of your choice. 

Why do I need Suicide Awareness Training?

Many of our students have suicidal thoughts and feelings.  Sadly, the reality is that we are DAILY doing suicide assessments in these services. The more comfortable you are addressing this issue, the easier it is to support the student and get help.  Please reach out if you are interested in Suicide Awareness and Prevention trainings on on campus.. 

What is CCAT?

The Columbia College Alert Team.  

Learn more here:  CCAT webpage   or see Common Questions about CCAT answered here.

 

Reference:  Faculty/Staff Reference to Assist Students in Distress

 

Handbook:  Assisting Emotionally Distressed Students 

 

Responding to At-Risk Students:  A short video 

Supporting Mental Health and Wellness in YOUR Classroom

 

Working with our Student Veterans

Learn more here:  Cultural Sensitivity (What NOT to say)  --  Understanding our Student Veterans  -- Vets in the Classroom  --  Campus Veteran Mental Health Support

Columbia College Alert Team--Click CCAT-- for more information.

CCAT

 

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