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Dear Pitt families,
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. One of my most pressing concerns as Dean of Students is suicide prevention among college students. And yet, we sometimes hear from students that they are unaware of the services and resources offered by Pitt’s University Counseling Center (UCC).
Please read my below letter to your student(s), as well as the letter from Dr. Darr, the Director of the UCC.
Sincerely,
Kenyon R. Bonner
Vice Provost and Dean of Students
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Dear Pitt students,
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. One of my most pressing concerns as Dean of Students is suicide prevention among college students. And yet, we sometimes hear from students that they are unaware of the services and resources offered by Pitt’s University Counseling Center (UCC).
I have asked the Director of the UCC, Dr. Jay Darr, to share more about what is available to you. Pitt is truly fortunate to have Dr. Darr leading our counseling team. Dr. Darr earned his Ph.D. from Duquesne University’s Executive Counseling and Supervision Education program, with a specialization in crisis management. He joined us in February 2019 after having served most recently as the clinical liaison and coordinator at the University of North Texas, where he led embedded clinical, outreach, psychological testing, and psycho-educational services for Division I student athletes. He has worked in various roles within the health care field, including as a learning specialist, care manager, therapist and counselor. Jay is also a veteran, having served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army.
Within months of joining us at Pitt, Dr. Darr completely eliminated the wait time for counseling services and increased clinical capacity by 109%, allowing more students to access support more quickly. He is truly a leader with a heart for students.
Please read his letter and get to know how the UCC can support you this year.
Sincerely,
Kenyon R. Bonner
Vice Provost and Dean of Students
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Pitt Family,
How are you doing?
No, really. How are you doing after the first three weeks of this extraordinary journey?
The feelings that arise for me are exhaustion, uncertainty regarding COVID-19, anger, frustration, and worry—especially as I reflect on countless Black lives lost, xenophobia, violence, injustice, and racism in all its manifestations. Yet, I’m also hopeful, and I have faith that the best in humanity will emerge.
I share how I’m doing to let you know that you’re not alone in experiencing a wide range of emotions. We’re having “normal” reactions to abnormal situations. The University Counseling Center (UCC) staff with our own diverse identities—both visible and invisible— are committed to providing services that honor students’ unique needs, concerns, and personhoods. To that end, the UCC will continue to provide rapid access to support through virtual services and resources for students throughout all of the University’s operational postures: High Risk, Elevated and Guarded.
I would like to highlight some of our virtual services:
Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)
It may be helpful to think of TAO as a private online library of engaging, interactive programs to learn life skills and to help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life. As you watch videos and engage with interactive components, you’ll gain the knowledge, self-awareness, and skills you need to achieve your goals.
Let’s (tele)Talk
Let’s Talk is a drop-in service that offers informal, confidential consultation with a clinician from the UCC. Students often use Let’s Talk to get support for a specific problem and/or to learn more about services at the UCC. Consultations are typically 10-15 minutes long and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You may have to wait for a short time in the virtual waiting room. While Let’s Talk clinicians are UCC staff members, Let’s Talk is not a substitute for traditional mental health counseling.
Virtual Drop-In
Virtual Drop-in, M-F: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., is a same-day meeting with a UCC clinician. Drop-in is open to students interested in services or requiring support for an urgent concern. Please note that Virtual Drop-in is first come, first served and wait times will vary. Thus, it’s extremely important to call when you have enough time to complete paperwork and speak with a clinician.
24/7 Crisis Support & Resources
If you are experiencing an urgent or crisis concern, you can contact the UCC for support during regular business hours (M-F: 8:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m.), by calling 412-648-7930, and for afterhours hours, on weekends and during holidays by calling 412-648-7930 ext.1. Further, the UCC has gathered suicide prevention resources in an effort to help anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts get the help and support they need.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.
Please be aware of these concerning signs in yourself or in others:
- Threatening to hurt or kill themselves
- Looking for ways to kill themselves
- Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
- Expressing hopelessness or having no purpose
- Talking about being a burden or feeling trapped
- Displaying anger, aggression or agitation
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky behaviors
- Increased drug or alcohol use
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Displaying depression or anxiety
- Dramatic changes in mood
- Giving away personal belongings
- Previous suicide attempt
- Engaging in self-injury
If someone you know is showing some or many of the above warning signs:
- Ask directly if the person is thinking about suicide
- Contact a crisis support resource (see below)
- Don’t leave the person alone/end the phone call until help arrives
- Actively listen and express concern
- Avoid making judgmental and shaming statements
- Avoid minimizing problems and feelings
- Reassure them that support is available
Support resources for you or someone you know:
Some members of the Pitt Family are residing outside of Pennsylvania and the United States. This presents a unique challenge for those seeking assistance.
You are encouraged to contact the UCC for support, regardless of your location. A clinician will be available to discuss concerns, location, and to develop an individualized plan that will address your unique needs. It is important to note that, due to regulations in your current location (state or country), we may not be able to provide teletherapy services. In those cases, you can continue to access virtual workshops, TAO Self-Help and be referred to a provider within your state or country.
Remember, you are not alone! If you need support, the Counseling Center is here to help.
In Wellness,
Jay E. Darr, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, PMP
Director, University Counseling Center
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