Counseling Services COVID-19 Updates
To mitigate the spread COVID-19, we are following health guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control. We are limiting in-person contact to help prevent further contagion, while still providing support for students.
Hours of Operation and Services
- Hours of operation: Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- If you have a mental health concern and would like to speak with a counselor, please call 716-645-2720 to schedule a same-day needs assessment appointment, so that we may determine how to best assist you.
- If you are in crisis after business hours:
- Call 716-645-2720 and press option “2” to speak with a counselor.
- OR Crisis Services of Erie County at 716-834-3131.
- OR go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Virtual Workshops
UB Counseling Services is facilitating virtual drop-in, Zoom-based outreach workshops that focus on providing psychoeducation and support. A variety of workshops are available weekdays in our Upcoming Events listing from the UB Events calendar to meet the needs of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff. No registration or RSVP is required, return as often as you like to join us online – we do recommend downloading zoom in advance, if you have not already.
Psychoeducational workshops are intended to provide information, skills and support. These workshops are not a form of mental health treatment. If you would like to speak with a counselor, please call us at 716-645-2720.
COVID-19 Resources
Managing COVID-19 Anxiety
Counseling Services is here to help with the following tips to help you manage your anxiety.
Support Links
Campus Updates
Latest on coronavirus
Authoritative Sources
Emotional Support Helpline
NY Project Hope is New York's COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline. Residents of NYS can call 1-844-863-9314 to talk with trained crisis counselors. They are there to listen, support and offer referrals from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, for confidential, anonymous, and free COVID-19 related assistance.
Feeling Stressed?
Stress Management and Prevention
Stress can have a major impact on your grades, your relationships and your life as a college student. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed out, we can help.
Stress Management Videos
Videos specific to COVID-19 are available, including “Reducing Zoom Fatigue” and “Dealing with Uncertainty During the Pandemic,” as well as brief stress relief strategies to use when you need them.
Watch Stress Management Videos
Video Collection: Stress Management
Calming Belly Breathing
Learn how to kick in your body’s natural relaxation response in minutes
Viewing time: 11:45 minutes
Body Scan Meditation
Learn how to focus your attention on the sensations of your body to give your mind a break and feel more relaxed.
Viewing time: 14:24 minutes
Reducing Zoom Fatigue
At the end of the school day are you mentally drained? Or are you feeling overstimulated and unsure of how to help yourself feel better? If so, you may be experiencing Zoom Fatigue. This video shares tips to reduce Zoom Fatigue and improve your college experience this semester.
Viewing time: 3:51 minutes
Dealing with Uncertainty during the Pandemic
There are a lot of uncertainties and changes to cope with as a college student during the COVID-19 pandemic. This video offers some ideas to support you during this time.
Viewing time: 5:27 minutes
Self-Care & Stress Relief
This workshop includes relaxation techniques, strategies for reducing Zoom Fatigue, meditation practice, sleep tips, aromatherapy, and campus resources. Find out which self-care strategies can reduce stress and improve your overall health.
Viewing time: 40 minutes
Handouts
General Resources
If news about the coronavirus has you feeling on edge, anxious, or unable to concentrate try TAO Self-Help On-line Support, which is available for free via web or app and includes support for resiliency, stress management, anxiety, depression, recovery support, mindfulness, and other tools to members of the UB community.
- TAO Self-Help*
- On-Line Screenings
*TAO services are available to all UB community members with an active UB email address.
Mindfulness Library
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TAO has decided to make our Mindfulness Library free for everyone. Please feel free to share with family, friends, or anyone else who might benefit from enhancing their mindfulness practice.
Exercises are available in both English and French: https://www.taoconnect.org/mindfulness-exercise/
Virtual Grief Support Group
This virtual support group is designed for students who have lost a loved one through death. The overall mission is to provide space, acceptance, and support for students to mourn the loss of their loved one and to acknowledge the many feelings associated with grief and loss. This semi-structured support group will provide information on unique and different styles of grieving, as well as challenges of grieving. This group will also provide a space to discuss helpful strategies to support each student in their unique grief journey.
Please contact UB Counseling Services at 716-645-2720 and ask to speak to a counselor about joining the group.
