Mental health services accessible to Valley College students

As pandemic-related stress grows common, therapy and other resources are offered to students.

By Cassandra Nava, News Editor

Valley College is accommodating students who seek mental health services with access to the Student Health Center via telephone.

The health center on campus may no longer be open at all this semester, but access to resources for students is still available. Students seeking help for psychological or mental health issues can call the center to speak to therapists Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The LA County mental health access line is accessible 24/7 for those who feel stressed, anxious or depressed. This hotline can be reached at (800) 854-7771 or via text by sending “LA” to 741741.

“The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is changing life for all of us,” stated the official California coronavirus website in a recent resource list for emotional support and well-being. “You may feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, depressed, lonely or frustrated in these circumstances. You’re not alone.”

By paying the $11 health fee every semester, students have access to Valley’s health center. This payment allows therapy at no additional cost. Prior to the pandemic, non-urgent screenings and tests were offered, but now that the center is closed these services can no longer be accessed. Students can receive information on how these needs can be accessed by calling the center at (818)763-8836 (then selecting option 4), or can speak with a case manager at ext. 1455, according to the student health center page on Valley’s website.

“We work with you to discuss your situation, explore ideas, and attempt to arrive at a resolution, and provide referrals to community resources,” according to the center’s brochure.

Valley’s coronavirus student update page is a useful source of information for students. It offers hotlines for LGBTQ students, veterans, teens and more. Those suffering with domestic violence can speak to certified staff member Ellie Rabani or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.

For people struggling with thoughts of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-8255 or text “Hope” to 916-668-4226. The lifeline’s website provides coping resources specific to the coronavirus pandemic as well.