Newswise — Hurricane Katrina's devastation along the Gulf Coast has created more than just physical destruction. Those affected also face mental anguish.
To help those impacted by the storm, the University of Mississippi Psychological Services Center is offering counseling to help people cope with the aftermath of the disaster. Doctoral students in the Department of Psychology conduct the counseling sessions as part of their supervised course work.
"The graduate student therapists are well-qualified to deliver services," said director Scotty Hargrove. "During their training here, many are hired as therapists at mental health centers and other private-funded organizations across north Mississippi."
"The Psychological Services Center is here to help," said assistant director Emily Thompson. "We offer individual, family and couples therapy."
The service includes eight free counseling sessions to Ole Miss students and employees. Individuals from southern Mississippi and Louisiana displaced due to the storm are also offered the first eight sessions at no charge.
"There are a number of problems that could arise," Thompson said. "From learning problems in school to stress and tension among couples, we are here for support." Counseling session fees for community members are based on a sliding scale, according to income. But no one will be turned away based upon his or her ability to pay, Thompson said.
"If anyone is feeling anxious about the unknown state of loved ones, dealing with the events of the past couple of days or are facing a tragic loss, we're here to support them," Johnson said.
The center's staff consists of a clinical manager, about 20 therapists who are advanced doctoral students in clinical psychology and seven clinical psychologists who closely supervise all services.
For more information, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/psychology/Clinical/PSC/. To set up an appointment or for assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-7385 , 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
RSS