COUNSELING
Counseling services involve evidence-based techniques and interventions meant to help clients manage stress, improve relationships, cope with mental health disorders, and achieve their personal goals in a supportive and confidential environment. Clinical services and mediation are available as needed for the USAO community.
Clinical Services
Clinical services include developmental, preventive, and educational interventions limited and designed to support students while they strive to meet their academic goals. Individual therapy is available by appointment and group therapy is determined per semester. These confidential services are offered to address challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance abuse, and other mental health-related issues.
Mediation
Mediation is a structured and facilitated process in which a neutral third party, or a licensed professional counselor in this case, assists students, faculty, or staff in resolving conflicts or disputes in a collaborative and respectful manner. This process emphasizes open communication, mutual understanding, and the exploration of solutions that address the needs and interests of all parties involved, promoting a healthy and supportive campus environment. Mediation is confidential, voluntary, and focused on fostering personal growth, relationship repair, and the development of constructive conflict-resolution skills.
Telemental Health Services
USAO provides remote mental health support to students, faculty, and staff through secure digital platforms, such as video conferencing, phone calls, or online messaging. These services aim to increase accessibility to counseling, therapy, and mental health resources, allowing individuals to receive support conveniently and confidentially, regardless of their location.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EDUCATION
Psychological education is the structured provision of knowledge, resources, and skills to students, faculty, and staff to promote mental health awareness, emotional well-being, and psychological resilience. This education is often delivered through workshops, courses, seminars, or outreach programs and is designed to enhance understanding of psychological principles, stress management, self-care, and healthy interpersonal relationships. Its goal is to foster a campus culture that supports personal growth, academic success, and a deeper appreciation of mental health and its impact on overall well-being.
Workshops
Workshops are educational and interactive sessions designed to enhance understanding of mental health issues, promote emotional well-being, and build skills for supporting themselves and others within the academic community.
Workshops for faculty and staff may focus on increasing awareness of mental health challenges, reducing stigma, identifying early signs of distress, and equipping participants with tools to foster a supportive and inclusive environment, while workshops for students may focus on providing practical strategies, tools, and resources to manage stress, build resilience, enhance self-awareness, and improve interpersonal relationships.
Facilitated by trained professionals, these workshops aim to create a supportive environment for growth and learning, empower faculty and staff to address mental health concerns effectively, and contribute to a culture of wellness and resilience on campus.
Consultations
Consultation refers to a specialized, professional service aimed at addressing the mental health and well-being of students who exhibit behaviors or challenges that may impact their academic, social, or emotional functioning. This process involves a licensed counselor or mental health professional working collaboratively with the student, faculty, staff, or campus support teams to assess the situation, provide guidance, and recommend appropriate interventions or resources. The goal is to support the student in overcoming obstacles while promoting a safe, inclusive, and healthy campus environment. Counseling staff may include other departments on campus as appropriate.
ASSESSMENTS
Assessments are structured evaluations conducted by licensed mental health professionals to measure and understand a student's cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and psychological functioning. These assessments may include standardized tests, interviews, screenings, and questionnaires designed to identify mental health concerns, learning differences, personality traits, or psychological conditions. The purpose of psychological assessments is to provide insights that inform personalized support plans, accommodations, or treatment options, helping students to succeed academically and personally while fostering their overall well-being.
Screenings
Screenings are brief, targeted assessments designed to identify signs and symptoms of mental health concerns among students, faculty, or staff. These screenings are typically non-invasive and involve self-report questionnaires or structured interviews that focus on common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, and emotional well-being. The goal of mental health screenings is to provide early detection, raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect individuals with appropriate resources or services to support their mental health needs within the campus community.
Aptitude Tests
Aptitude tests are assessments designed to measure an individual's natural abilities, skills, and potential in specific areas such as cognitive processing, problem-solving, learning capacity, and academic performance. Administered by licensed mental health professionals or counselors, these tests help to identify strengths and areas for development, guiding career planning, and personalized support strategies. These assessments are often used to better understand a student's capabilities, inform accommodations, and support their academic and personal growth within the university
MENTAL HEALTH CRISES
Mental health crises can significantly impact a student's ability to thrive academically and personally. Such crises may include severe emotional distress, suicidal ideation, self-harm, or other behaviors that pose a risk to the individual or others.
Occurring during Business Hours
(8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday)Members of the university community may call Student Life at 405-574-1349 and request emergency assistance. Please note that callers may be referred to 988 or 911 as applicable.
Occurring after Hours
(5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., Monday through Friday,
or Any Time on Weekends or Holidays)The USAO Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 to USAO students, faculty, and staff. Call or text 405-320-8184 to speak to a Licensed Therapist.
ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES
Full- and Part-Time Students
All enrolled USAO students are eligible for assessment and ongoing services as deemed appropriate.
Spouses and Children of Eligible Students
Spouses and children of faculty and staff are not eligible for mental health resources at USAO.
Students Withdrawing from the University
Students who are withdrawing or have withdrawn from the university may receive one or two sessions of exit counseling as deemed appropriate.
Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff are eligible for mental health resources at USAO.
Spouses and Children of Faculty and Staff
Spouses and children of faculty and staff are not eligible for mental health resources at USAO.
Persons Not Associated with the University
Persons not associated with USAO are not eligible for mental health resources at USAO.