New programs and resources aimed at promoting the mental health and wellness of Yale students have been launched this fall.
The initiatives were announced to undergraduate and graduate students in separate emails by Dr. Paul Genecin, director of Yale Health, and Kimberly Goff-Crews, secretary and vice president for student life.
In his message, Genecin announced changes at the Mental Health and Counseling (MHC) department, which were made in response to suggestions by students. This summer, MHC added three new clinicians to its staff of psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers, he wrote, adding: “We will continue to actively recruit well-qualified mental health clinicians to further enlarge our staff of MHC clinicians. As a result, I expect that access to clinical services will continue to improve.”
The MHC website has also been updated and includes a video featuring an overview of MHC, and students discussing their experiences. “The site clarifies our services, provides resources, and helps you explore options for assistance with mental health concerns,” he said. “It's also easier to navigate.”
The department is also launching a pilot electronic scheduling program that would enable students to use their computers or mobile phones to make secure and confidential appointments with their MHC clinicians. “Initially, the program will be limited to a small number of MHC clinicians, but we hope to fully expand this service later this year,” he noted. “The option to make appointments by telephone, which is currently available to everyone, will continue even after the program goes into effect.”
Goff-Crews informed students about a newly created Student Wellness website that will aggregate in one place information about student services related to mental health and wellness. “As other health-related initiatives evolve over the coming year, the website will also evolve to reflect a holistic definition of wellness,” she wrote. “Even in its first phase, the site supports students across a continuum of needs, providing information on opportunities to practice self-care, engage with a community outside of academic life, and seek professional mental health care.”
Goff-Crews also announced the establishment of The Wellness Project, designed to “support new and existing programs and communications that enhance students’ emotional, physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, and academic well-being.” A pilot program will award up to $1,000 to implement student-developed programs in these six areas. Funded projects will be selected by The Wellness Project committee, which includes students.
She also reminded students that beginning this fall, Payne Whitney Gymnasium will be open for expanded hours on both weekdays and weekends.
“At Yale, you are a part of a unique community that places tremendous value on your growth and learning — as students and scholars, but also as individuals,” said Goff-Crews. “I encourage you to incorporate wellness into your daily lives, making use of the resources on campus that can help you chart the best pathway towards well-being at Yale and beyond.