Online workshop offers mental health support to Ohio University students
Whether you’re having trouble sleeping at night or just had a difficult day, the Coping Clinic at Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS) offers Ohio University students an online forum to talk about their mental health and learn helpful tips for managing stress and anxiety.
According to its webpage, the Coping Clinic is an online drop-in workshop that focuses on developing and practicing a variety of coping skills that may be helpful to you. This is a flexible and accessible resource students can use throughout the semester, between counseling sessions, or as they wait to get connected to services. The Coping Clinic is a psychoeducational and supportive environment to experiences with peers without a semester-long commitment.
“I like to think of the Coping Clinic as a place to come and de-stress and talk to other people and learn coping strategies,” Ann Addington, staff counselor and coordinator for the Collegiate Recovery Community said. “For instance, if the group is having a lot of anxiety, we could do some grounding techniques with them that are helpful. We can do some mindfulness techniques and sometimes a guided meditation.”
Other strategies include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, skills for better self-care routines, managing unhelpful thoughts, and academic success.
“We connect them with other resources on campus. So if they came in for help with academic success, we might ask them if they know about the academic achievement center. If they’re having trouble sleeping, we can give them some tips and exercises to do at night,” Addington said. “Deep breathing can help with anxiety, and really just about any type of mental distress, I think.”
Many times, she said, students feel better just talking about their day and their problems.
“It’s a very validating and supporting environment for them to express their emotions,” she said.
The clinic does not replace individual or group mental health treatment but does offer intervention between treatment sessions or while waiting to connect with a counselor. Students do not have to be a client with CPS or currently located in the state of Ohio to engage in Coping Clinic workshops.
The online clinic is accessed using Microsoft Teams, and it is open to all OHIO students on the Athens campus as well as regional campuses. Students can sign up by visiting the Coping Clinic webpage and selecting a day and time to join. Sessions are available this semester on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
The clinic is offered during the fall and spring semesters but is not available during finals week.