NEIU Student Counseling Services working remotely with students

The limitations imposed by social distancing mandates can cause anxiety. In order to assist students during the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, NEIU’s Student Counseling Services continues providing counseling to the NEIU student body. 

While conducting therapy over the phone remains an option, Director of Student Counseling Services Nancy Easton revealed the university’s plan to digitally connect with students. 

“We have secure online paperwork, secure video platforms for teletherapy and for students who might not have access to a camera on their computer,” said Easton. “We will talk with them over the phone and work out a plan together.”

Easton explained how video platforms allow group therapy sessions to continue uninterrupted. While there are currently no active groups, Easton said university officials remain open to the idea of students engaging in group therapy sessions. “Meeting with a group of people virtually would be beneficial since we have been in quarantine for a while now,” Easton added. 

“We are working with students just as they would if they came into the office,”said Easton. “The first appointment is where we gather a lot of information, so we can see based on your schedule which counselor you would meet up with.” 

Initial appointments last approximately an hour while ensuing appointments are 45 minutes. To schedule an appointment, students can call Student Counseling Services.  

Students can decide whether to speak with a counselor regularly or on a staggered schedule. Easton said that an NEIU crisis counselor is available 24/7 by calling Student Counseling Services. 

“If someone is feeling like they are in a crisis, they can call our main number and press two during the outgoing message,” said Easton. “They will be connected to the crisis counselor that is on-call at that time right away.”

Students can seek counseling to discuss family issues, relationship concerns and depression. Students also hold the option to meet with a counselor once or irregularly following the initial meeting.  

“Try not to get too caught up in the information that might be floating around social media,” said Easton. “Instead, find sources that you trust like the CDC or a lot of local newspapers.

“Do things that ordinarily help you feel less stressed like taking an online yoga class, practicing meditation, taking a walk or talking on the phone with a friend.” 

To schedule an appointment, students can contact Student Counseling Services at 773-442-4650. Student Counseling Services will respond to voicemails Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.