Counseling Center

The Towson University Counseling Center wants to express our support and care for our campus community in light of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. We recognize that many students will be having strong emotional reactions of anger, sadness, fear, and even disbelief in response to the change in federal protection for reproductive freedom. Additionally, we recognize that the changing of federal laws usually affects marginalized people the most, and that Black, Indigenous, LatinX, and financially disadvantaged members of our community may be affected in unique and particularly difficult ways by this Supreme Court decision. We further recognize the fear, anger, and uncertainty that members of our LGBTQIA+ community may be holding in light of the statements that marriage equality and other human rights for the LGBTQIA+ community may be under threat. We encourage all students to take good care of themselves and to reach out to their family and friends for support. Know that we are also here to support you with whatever feelings or experiences you may be managing at this time. We offer same-day appointments which you can access by calling us at 410-704-2512 or scheduling online. Our office is open Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm, and we offer 24 / 7 crisis availability by phone through calling our main number (410-704-2512). You can also access peer-to-peer digital support anytime of day or night by registering with Togetherall.

At this point in the semester, students are contending with midterms, exams, and heavy academic workloads. This year, these stressors follow closely on the heels of a string of incidents on and near campus that might have undermined a sense of safety for many students. While these events may have been isolated incidents, we acknowledge that they can evoke painful emotions, questions, and may even spark debates about topics such as safety and how to belong on campus. We also recognize that continuous stressors can take a toll on students' emotional stability and well-being. In the aftermath of experiencing or witnessing trauma or a series of traumatic events, it is normal to experience a wide range of feelings such as shock, fear, helplessness, anger, or sadness. The Counseling Center sees you. We hear you, and we are here to support you as the term presses on. 
 
As a Center, we are committed to affirming and providing care for all students who have been directly or vicariously impacted by the series of incidents on and near campus. We continue to strive for inclusion and believe that safety and wellbeing are basic human rights. As such, we are available for "same-day" appointments Mondays through Fridays, at 410-704-2512 for any student seeking support during this stressful and challenging time. 

There has been an alarming increase recently in the number of assaults and hate crimes against the Asian American communities. The rise of anti-Asian racism reminds us of the ongoing history of race-based discrimination that serves to distract and divide our communities.  TUCC’s commitment to anti-racism in all its forms – racism against Asian, Black, LatinX, Native American, and other communities – demands that we stand up and speak out.  We strongly condemn this violence. We stand in solidarity with all members of our community who experience marginalization and threat based on any aspect of their identity. 
We at the Counseling Center are committed to providing support for all students who are struggling during this difficult and frightening time.

Coping with Anti-Asian Racism:

• Self-Care Tips for Asian Americans Dealing with Racism and Coronavirus
• Surviving Racism amidst COVID-19

Advocacy for Anti-Asian Racism:

• COVID-19 Racial Equity and Social Justice Resources
• American Psychological Association on how to combat bias

The Counseling Center grieves with the rest of the Towson University community regarding the racially motivated violence that has continued to occur across our country. These tragedies, along with voter suppression and racial terrorism, reflect a longstanding and entrenched history of structural and systemic injustice that we condemn and are dedicated to addressing. We also recognize that these tragedies may be especially injurious to members of our Black and African American community. The debilitating psychological effects of centuries of racial oppression cannot be underestimated. Furthermore, these ongoing tragedies only compound the stress of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and its particularly traumatic impact on communities of color. We are here to support our Towson family whose members may be coping with feelings of grief, rage, fear, helplessness, depression, sadness, and guilt. We encourage you to contact our office if you (or someone you know) would like support with coping and healing. We see you and we are here for you.

With love, solidarity, and support,

The Counseling Center Staff

This mini-video series was created to serve as a resource for Black-identified students to provide support and acknowledge our commitment to addressing systemic racism directly. Throughout the three videos, students will learn about racism and its impact on the mental health of Black Americans, discover coping strategies and ways to take care of themselves, and explore ways that they can engage in activism and advocacy as we all fight for an anti-racist America. 

 #1: Racism/Racial Trauma within Black Communities (with closed captioning included)

#2: Coping with Racial Trauma (with closed captioning included)

#3: Activism & Facing Racial Trauma in Black Communities (with closed captioning included)

Watch this 3-part mini video series created for non-Black students of color about impact of race-based stressors on your mental health, learn ways to cope from racial trauma, and get tips on engaging in meaningful allyship. 

#1: Race-Based Trauma & Mental Health (with closed captioning included)

#2: Coping in the Face of Racism (with closed captioning included)

#3: Allyship to the Black Community (with closed captioning included)

This is a 3-part mini video series that attempts to start a conversation about racial identity and racism for White students. It also seeks to help White students understand what to do as they start to act in an anti-racist fashion. 

#1: White Racial Identity and Defining Racism (with closed captioning included)

#2: What is Colorblind Racism? (with closed captioning included)

#3: Examining Intentions When Moving to Anti-Racist Action (with closed captioning included)