Updated Community Resources for COVID-19

Hello School of Nursing Community,

We hope you are all well during this challenging time.

Below you will find a list of resources that have been curated by the School of Nursing and the University Health Center.

As always, we encourage you to reach out to us with any concerns regarding your academics, professional obligations, and mental health. We are here for you.

– Dean Smolowitz

General Resources

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

CAPS is a department within University Health and Counseling Services designed to provide free personal counseling and psychological services for Montclair State University students. Currently, students may leave a message at the front desk and they will be called back to schedule an appointment. There is also the option of attending a virtual Let’s TeleTalk.

Information regarding ‘Connections’, the COVID-19 student support group may be found here.

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)

TAO online services are provided to all students and employees of Montclair State University. This mobile platform is private and secure. Services include guided therapy for stress, anxiety, and depression.

Learn more about TAO and how you can register for free.

Resources for Nurses

Emergency Responders: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides signs of burnout and secondary traumatic stress as well as self-care techniques and tips for setting up a buddy system to share support with another emergency responder.

Strategies to Support the Health and Well-Being of Clinicians During the COVID-19 Outbreak

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) contains strategies for health care leaders and managers on ways to support their clinical staff and self-care strategies for clinicians.

Managing Healthcare Workers’ Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Outbreak

The National Center for PTSD provides information on possible causes of stress for health care workers during COVID-19, ways to manage stress through preparedness, and ways to cope with stress during the pandemic and its aftermath.

Tips for Disaster Responders: Preventing and Managing Stress

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) webpage contains information on preparing for a disaster and coping during and after it. Included are suggestions for planning with loved ones.

First Responders First: Sustaining Yourself During the Coronavirus Crisis

This tip sheet from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Thrive Global provides small steps that first responders can take throughout their work day as well as outside of work to manage stress and maintain well-being.

Caring for Yourself & Others During COVID-19: Managing Healthcare Workers’ Stress

In this archived webinar from the Schwartz Center, Patricia Watson, PhD, of the National Center for PTSD, discusses ways that health care workers can manage stress—theirs and others’—during COVID-19. It is accompanied by handouts for health and mental health care providers on managing stress and on using the seven steps of Stress First Aid for self-care and peer support.

List of Freebies for Nurses During COVID-19

An extensive list of free travel, goods and services including mental health and fitness for nurses!

Reduced-fee and Pro-bono Therapy for First Responders:

Coronavirus Online Therapy is 100% volunteer-created and run. They exist solely to connect those in need during this global pandemic, with licensed therapists nationwide who have made this promise to reduce their fees or offer pro-bono sessions. Fees, if applicable, are paid directly to the therapist, not to Coronavirus Online Therapy. Learn more about this service.

Free Zoom Group for First Responders:

This is free group for first responders (doctors, nurses, any hospital staff) is held on Fridays @ 3:00p.m. Send an email to enlightenedpsychology@gmail.com to receive a Zoom link. Psychologists who co-lead are licensed in New York & NJ.

Free Therapy for Medical Workers through Talkspace:

To assist nurses, doctors, and social workers cope with the stress, anxiety, and pressure of fighting the coronavirus, medical and healthcare workers can now access free online therapy. To sign up, healthcare workers should register via the app (Google Play or App Store) or website by providing verification with their NPI and state of residence. Once certified, they will gain access. Learn more about this service.