COVID Virtual Group Support

Join us on Zoom (https://lasell.zoom.us/j/7742332067) every weekday from 12:30 to 1pm for group support around issues and challenges related to COVID-19. Open to everyone, and especially those in isolation or quarantine on or off campus.

William James College

William James College, a graduate institute of psychotherapy located in Newton, MA, offers online workshops and group support sessions open to the public, as listed on their Public Events calendar. These include workshops on how to disconnect from the news and reduce anxiety, relaxation and stress management, and coping and mindfulness, and more. Several groups are ongoing, with multiple meetings.

General 211 Directory

List of services provided by health and human services resources and organizations in Massachusetts

Mass.gov Covid-19 Resources

Massachusetts government resources, information, and guidance about Covid-19

Suffolk County Resources

Resource list for Suffolk County (Boston and surrounding towns)

Newton Updates on Covid-19

Specific to Newton, Mayor's messages, regulations, resources, etc.

Clinic Access Directory

Healthcare access directory with guidance for undocumented peoples

MA Department of Higher Education

Covid-19-related guidance specifically for colleges and universities in Massachusetts

The most important thing to remember is that anxiety is a normal response to the present pandemic situation. Everyone expresses their anxiety in different ways. For some people, they're "somewhat stressed." For other people, they're "panicked." Whatever your anxiety level is, it's common to want to numb yourself with video games or social media, reach out to others, eat comfort food, or turn to other behaviors that feel soothing. At the same time, it's also helpful to remember that there are some pretty proven strategies out there for managing anxiety, even in the face of this incredible uncertainty.

• Name your anxiety. Write out your worries; name them. Be as specific as you can. This creates structure around your thoughts. Don't judge yourself (or others) for the feelings you (or they) have, or the worries that occupy your mind.
• Change what you can. You have many tools you've built up over the years to manage life and its stresses. Perhaps you know that exercise makes you feel better and that meditation isn't your thing. Or maybe the opposite is true for you. Implement the strategies you've developed. And, try some new ones. Continue to practice physical distancing, hygiene, and other self-care to keep yourself and those around you safe.
• Accept what you cannot change. The reality of the pandemic is out of our control. We rely on those around us, the government, healthcare professionals, etc., to help keep us safe. This can be both discomforting and comforting.
• Stay connected. Reach out (not physically!) to the people you care about. Reach out to support and other groups and networks. Reach out to text support lines and other hotlines. We are lucky to have so many ways to be connected with others. We have to be physically isolated for a while, but that does not mean we should be or feel lonely.

The articles linked below provide many additional tips:

Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook

(free PDF download) from The Wellness Society

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty

Active Minds: Managing the Stress of Living at Home for College

Active Minds: Coping and Staying Emotionally Well During COVID-19-related School Closures

CDC: Manage Anxiety & Stress

Using Expressive Writing to Manage Feelings about the Pandemic

The Institute for Disaster Mental Health: Managing Stress in This Anxious Time

That Discomfort You're Feeling Is Grief

Why You Should Ignore All That Coronavirus-Inspired Productivity Pressure

The Lasell University Counseling Center is open for telehealth services for Lasell students beginning on March 30, 2020. We invite all Lasell students to reach out to us if they feel the need. Unfortunately, due to state laws and licensing regulations, we cannot provide telecounseling services to students who reside outside of Massachusetts who are new to the Center. However, if you reside outside we may be able to support you in locating therapists in your home community. In addition, whether you're in Massachusetts or outside of it, the resources below are good resources for finding a therapist.

Before starting your search for a therapist, it may be helpful to think about a few answers to the following questions:

• What am I looking for in a therapist?
• What do I want help with? (e.g. anxiety, sleep, mood, adjustment to college or graduation, relationship issues, trauma, family relationships, learning difficulties are common things people want help with...)
• Do I want someone with specific skills? (e.g. cognitive behavioral training, experience with trauma, etc.)
• Do I want the provider I choose to hold particular sexual, gender, ethnic, or other identities?
• Do I want to use my insurance? With or without insurance, how much can I spend on therapy services?

INTERFACE Referral Service

Provided by William James College, INTERFACE is a mental health and wellness referral Helpline available Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free). This is a free, confidential referral service for individuals in participating communities in Massachusetts. Callers from participating communities are matched with licensed mental health providers from an extensive database, on average, within 2 weeks of their call to INTERFACE. Each referral best meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller.

Psychology Today

Lists therapists by location, specialty, modality, and insurance. Start by clicking "Find a Therapist".

Innopsych

Lists therapists of color by location, specialty, modality, insurance, and ethnicity.

Open Path Psychotherapy Collective

Open Path helps its members access affordable care from a vetted mental health professional. Lifetime membership (at just $59) with Open Path allows you to see anyone in their therapy network for $30-60 per appointment. This nonprofit serves clients who lack health insurance, whose health insurance doesn't provide adequate mental health benefits, or who cannot afford current market rates for therapy (usually $80-200 a session). Their site also offers a great glossary of mental health terms.

Zencare

Another listing service of therapists by location, etc., include a specific directory of therapists providing telehealth.