Mental Wellbeing

Rio recognizes the importance of mental health. Through the Department of Mental Wellbeing, we provide FREE individual counseling and case management services from licensed professionals to students, staff and faculty. In addition to short-term individual counseling, we also offer help with connection to outside resources and a variety of support groups. Through collaboration with community partners, we strive to provide the Rio Family with the safe space they need to talk, heal, and be supported.

The Department of Mental Wellbeing is located in the Rhodes Student Center.

Office Hours (During Academic Year): Monday-Thursday 8 am -10 pm, Friday 8 am - 5 pm

Office Hours (During Summer Break): Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm

*We are closed for Holidays as noted in the academic calendar*

We’re Listening

To make an appointment, learn more about services or offer new ideas for services contact one of our counselors below directly or sent an inquiry email to wellbeing@rio.edu.

strickland


Bethany Strickland, LSW
Director of Mental Wellbeing
740-245-7439
bstrickland@rio.edu

 

 

 

 

Madison Howell


Madison Howell, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
740-245-7198
mduskey@rio.edu

Ways to Support your Mental Health:

  • Practice Mindfulness
    • Mindfulness is the act of intentionally being aware of what is happening in the current moment. Practicing mindfulness has been shown to decrease anxiety/depression symptoms, increase memory/focus and improve overall mental wellbeing.
  • Meditate
    • Meditating helps us control our breathing and stay calm in moments of stress. This meditation link can help with stress. Ensure that you are comfortable and in a positive, quiet space before utilizing the link.
    • Disclaimer: Make sure you are NOT driving and/or NOT operating any type of vehicle while listening to this specific meditation, as it is beneficial to close your eyes while listening and relaxing.
  • Exercise
    • Physical exercise can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. This could be taking a walk, jog, run, yoga, lifting weights, and so many other activities.
  • Connect
    • Simply talking to someone in your support system can take away stress. Reaching out for support to vent about a specific instance that is on your mind, an upcoming event, or past situation can be helpful. This person could be a friend, family member, peer or a co-worker.

Below are some tips to help you if you are unsure of how to help in an emotional situation:

 

Hopewell Health Centers Logo

 

 

 

Hopewell Health is a partner of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College. They can respond to crisis situations both during and after regular business hours.

Business hours phone: 800-252-5554

Crisis line: 740-446-5500

 

Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program Logo

 

 

 

 

 

The Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) is an organization that provides support, advocacy and resources to survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking. For more information visit www.saopseoh.org.

Crisis Hotline: 740-591-4266 Option "0"

Office Phone: 740-591-4266

 

Need help now?

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988

Crisis Text Line Text "HOME" to 741741

The Trevor Project Text “START” to 678678

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy

Under Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity operated by the University of Rio Grande or Rio Grande Community College ("Rio Grande"). Title IX ensures equal access to those programs and activities for our students and employees of all gender identities. Rio Grande is dedicated to providing a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff.

It is the policy of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College not to discriminate on the basis of gender in the educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to the Affirmative Action Office of the University and the Community College, (740) 245-7228, or to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Washington, D.C.

Furthermore, the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College affirms that policies and practices relating to housing, academic and social life, and employment are applied without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, genetic information, gender identity, genetic information, religion, disability, age, marital status, national or ethnic origin, socioeconomic status, veteran status, political affiliation. or other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law. Inquiries in this regard should be directed to the President of the University of Rio Grande or Rio Grande Community College.

Title IX Coordinator: Chris Nourse

Email: cnourse@rio.edu