Mental Health and Support Resources

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Mental Health Resources and Basic Needs
Mental Health Resources and Basic Needs

Mental Health is a pressing and growing issue among college students, yet many students lack knowledge of mental health signs, symptoms, and resources. Student Health Services seeks to address this challenge by raising awareness of mental health needs and increasing access to support services on campus and in the community. Our hope is to improve the emotional well-being of the student population by encouraging help-seeking behavior.

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Campus Support and Resources:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

CAPS Counselors provide supportive, affirmative, trauma-informed, and confidential services to SIU students. Individual, same day, group and couples counseling is available. A wide range of treatment techniques and specialized services are available to meet the unique needs of our diverse student population. Counselors are available at multiple locations on campus Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 to 9 p.m., excluding university closures. Please call 618/453-5371 to schedule an appointment at one of our locations.

Connect@SIU

Counseling and risk assessment support after 9 pm is available by calling 1-833-434-1217. Connect@SIU is additional mental health support. Through our new offering, students can access more mental health support pathways after 9 pm. These counselors will help to meet you where you are on your journey to better your mental health.

Psychiatry

Psychiatry services include psychiatric evaluation and medication management provided by a psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse. Located within the Student Health Center medical clinic, the psychiatrist works closely with medical and counseling professionals. You can call 618/453-4346 to determine if your medication needs can be supported by the medical clinic or to make an appointment with the psychiatrist.

Wellness and Health Promotion Services (WHPS)

WHPS provides health promotion and prevention education to equip students with the skills needed to make effective choices regarding their health and wellbeing. Resources and programming are provided on a variety of topics that impact student success, including physical, nutritional, and sexual health, alcohol and other drug harm reduction, violence and suicide prevention, stress management, resilience and coping skills, and health equity. Visit shc.siu.edu/wellness to request a presentation, training, or event.

Confidential Advising, Survivor Support

Survivor-centered assistance is provided to SIU students that have experienced dating or domestic violence, stalking, and/or sexual harassment, misconduct, or assault while enrolled at SIU. Non-judgmental emotional support, reporting assistance, and accommodation management are provided in a safe environment. Call 618/536-4441 for assistance.

The Dawg Lounge

The Dawg Lounge is a de-stress area located in the Student Health Center. Individuals are invited to utilize the relaxation features which include massage chairs, water and light features, yoga and meditation tools. Light therapy and biofeedback machines are also available, though our biggest attraction is our support dogs, present on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The HEROES Program

HEROES stands for Higher Education Resources and Opportunities for Salukis in Need. This program provides individualized support and assistance for SIU students experiencing housing insecurity, food insecurity, and other financial challenges that may interfere with academic success and overall well-being, including access to healthcare, transportation, personal care items, and school necessities. To contact the HEROES Liaison, please call 618/536-4441 or email heroes@siu.edu.

The HEROES Headquarters

The HEROES Headquarters, located in the basement of the Student Center, includes a basic needs store next to the Saluki Food Pantry. The store offers essential supplies, including sheets, towels, microwaves, refrigerators, and other crucial supplies, including toiletries, for students in need by appointment only.

The HEROES Hideaway

The HEROES Hideaway, also located in the basement of the Student Center, is a de-stress zen den that offers tranquil, multicultural mindfulness features, including a massage chair, yoga, and meditation tools.

The PEERS Heroes Program

The Peer HEROES support program facilitates peer educators supporting students living with mental health conditions. In addition, mentors provide education on behavior change strategies, intervention skills, and self-care methods.

Saluki Cares

Saluki Cares facilitates and coordinates a University-wide program of care and support for students in distress. Saluki Cares offers students a supportive and encouraging partnership by linking them with the appropriate resources. Our partnerships allow students to overcome personal and educational barriers on their path to success. Our office works closely with faculty, staff, students, and their families.
The Saluki Cares team can help students with issues surrounding, but not limited to:

  • Adjustment Issues
  • Academic Performance Concerns
  • Homesickness
  • Financial Stress
  • Deaths (Student/Family)
  • Extended Illnesses
  • General Welfare Concerns
  • Other Signs of Stress

Visit salukicares.siu.edu for more information.