Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic: Additional Resources
We are now living in uncertain times which, for many of us, have been marked with stress and anxiety. Now, to support our community with specific wellness supportive resources, please check our Resources section for updates on some services at Columbia University and Teachers College. For other questions, please write to us at studentwellness@tc.columbia.edu.
Additionally, Columbia Health and Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) remain operational. You may call them at 212-854-2878 to verify your eligibility and to schedule an appointment. Our team remains focused on finding the best support resources for our TC community. Find below some tools and information compiled for you that can guide you through this time.
Latest Updates from Teachers College
Read the latest updates from Teachers College regarding the hybrid operations, classes and other protocols during this time, along with resources and important contacts.
Virtual Support Group Spaces
Check the options to stay connected with other people and cope with the current health situation through virtual community support groups and workshops organized by Columbia's Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS). Check them regularly, as the offerings are updated often.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Coronavirus
An extensive compilation of the most common questions you might have about COVID-19 and its impact for the Columbia Morningside, Manhattanville, and CUIMC campuses as well as affiliates like Teachers College.
Social Distancing, Isolation and Quarantine: What do they mean?
Updates and definition on the public health measures that inform Columbia University's campus policies, including social distancing, self-isolation, isolation, and quarantine.
Video: Quick Tips for Managing Coronavirus Anxiety
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) taped this brief (5min) conversation with Dr. Debra Kissen to get a first approach on healthy coping mechanisms we can all practice from home.
Webinar: Coronavirus and Anxiety - Managing Skills
Join this 30min educational webinar from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) featuring Ken Goodman, LCSW, Dr. Debra Kissen, Dr. Reid Wilson, and Dr. Sally Winston.
Video: Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
Many parents in our TC community are wondering how to bring up the epidemic in a way that will be reassuring and not make children more worried than they already may be. Here is some advice from the experts at the Child Mind Institute.
Resources for Parents during COVID-19
Studying from home became a reality not only for TC students but also their families and children. Find below some resources for you who are a parent or caregiver of a child:
- Free educational resources from Scholastic, Khan Academy, and others
- Virtual field trips, museums visits, and aquarium behind-the-scenes videos
- Ideas for LEGO activities, yoga, and other physical activities
And tips for how to work from home with kids.
Seven strategies to cope with anxiety
Dr. Jelena Kecmanovic from Georgetown University prepared this quick guide of techniques to handle anxiety in this stress-inducing current times.
In case of emergencies: As usual, students can find Emergency contact and information on our website, or call 24/7 the line 212-854-2878 of Columbia Health for psychological support.
For more information and updates on COVID-19, please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the NYS Department of Health websites. You can also text 692-692 with the message "COVID" to receive regular updates from Notify NYC.
Find below additional resources that are still available for you 24/7 for Mental Health support, do not hesitate to reach out to them if not feeling well, needing to speak to a counselor, or seeking support through a crisis.
Columbia University
- Columbia Health’s COVID-19 phone line for your questions, Monday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm. Call: 212-854-9355
- Columbia Health 24/7 Mental Health Support Line. Call: 212-678-7432
- Columbia 24/7 Sexual Violence Response Team. Call: 212-854-4357
- Additional resources listed in TC’s Preparedness website.
New York City
- NYC Well. At any hour of any day, in several languages, via phone, tablet or computer, NYC Well provides crisis counseling for free. Call the following numbers:
1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)
1-888-692-9355 (Español)
1-888-692-9355 (中文)
711 (TTY for hearing impaired)
You can also text “WELL” to 651-73, or Chat Here.
- New York State Domestic Violence Hotline. Call: 1-800-942-6906
- New York Crisis Text Line. By texting GOT5 to 741-741, you will be connected to a trained counselor, who can help them sort through a crisis and develop a plan to stay safe.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness NYC. Call: 212-684-3264 or email: helpline@naminyc.org Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am to 6pm
Nationwide Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Line Call: 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Search tool for providers: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/
- Crisis Textline. Text: 741741
- Crisis Chat http://www.contact-usa.org/chat.html
- IMAlive Chat https://www.imalive.org/
- National Domestic Violence Hotline Call: 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224
- Rape, Sexual Assault, Abuse, and Incest National Network (800) 656-HOPE
Search tool for Mental Health providers: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
Other resources: https://psychcentral.com/lib/common-hotline-phone-numbers/