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MCC Daily Tribune

New York State Office of Mental Health Offers Coping Circles

Staff at the Counseling Center and Disability Services office remain committed to reducing stigma surrounding mental health, raising awareness, and helping break down barriers which prevent individuals from receiving support for what are often invisible conditions. We are reaching out to you today to inform you about a newer, and more easily-accessible resource: New York State Office of Mental Health's (OMH) Coping Circles. Coping Circles is an OMH initiative providing free six-week support and resilience group therapy sessions for people impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.

Coping Circles are available to all New Yorkers, ages 18 and older. Coping Circles are also available in different languages.

  • Sessions for Coping Circles will be held by video or phone and are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals.
  • Healthcare workers, first responders, COVID-19 survivors, those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, and those who have experienced COVID-19 related job loss are especially encouraged to participate.
  • Coping Circles will be made available through the end of August 2020.
  • New Yorkers interested in joining Coping a Circles can register at NY.Gov/CopingCircles, a secure and HIPAA-compliant web platform.

If you are not eligible for a Coping Circle and/or are feeling stressed about COVID-19, you may also call the NYS Emotional Support Helpline 7 days a week, from 8am-10pm, at 1-844-863-9314.

As a refresher, we have also included Rochester-area safety contact information below. If you or someone you know are struggling with safety concerns, we encourage you to enter important numbers into your phone for reliable access.

Off-campus:

  • 911: For immediate safety concerns including suicidality or severe violence, calling 911 is the best first option
  • Monroe County Lifeline: Call 585-275-5151 (available 24 hours)
  • Rochester Community Mobile Crisis Team: Call 585-529-3721 to access telephone services which are provided to families in crisis 24/7 and, when necessary, a mobile intervention team can also assist
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (press 1)
  • National Text line for Students of Color: Text STEVE to 741741
  • Willow Domestic Violence Center: Call the 24-hour hotline at 585-222-SAFE (7233)

On-campus:

  • Call MCC Public Safety at 585-292-2911 (available 24 hours)

The MCC Counseling Center and Disability Services office business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:45am to 4:45pm. Licensed mental health professionals continue to be available to offer remote counseling sessions to enrolled students. Be well, stay safe, and please reach out to us if you are in need of additional support!

With warm regards,

Counseling Center & Disability Services Team

Phone: (585) 292-2140 *Press 1 for Disability & 2 for Counseling

Email: counselingservices@monroecc.edu & disabilityservices@monroecc.edu

Morgan Kennell
Counseling Center & Disability Services
07/30/2020