Student Handbook

You can take simple yet important steps towards improving your mental well-being. Often times, just talking with someone about issues that may be causing distress offers major relief.

Proven methods that you can implement to increase positive mental well-being include mindfulness and managing cognitive distortions. For more information on these methods, visit Cognitive Distortions (PDF).

Some students, however, may need more structured assistance.

We offer a host of services to help students who may be experiencing some kind of distress in their lives.

11th Floor Safe Zone The office of Student Affairs offers a supportive, friendly safe zone with strict privacy. Regarding any issues you may be experiencing--school-related or not--you can make appointments to speak with: Gui Albieri: galbieri@sunyopt.edu

Jackie Martinez: jmartines@sunyopt.edu Christian Alberto: calberto@sunyopt.edu **Walk-ins are also welcome!

Mental Health Professional Counseling Talking with a counselor or therapist has shown to alleviate stress symptoms and is an effective way to help you reach solutions for problems that may be causing stress. Counselors offer individual and group counseling for a range of concerns, such as: stress, anxiety, depression, difficulty adjusting, eating concerns, relationship issues, grief, et c… All health information discussed is confidential. ThrivingCampus: ThrivingCampus is an online directory that allows SUNY Optometry students to access a list of off-campus, licensed mental health clinicians, many of whom specialize in working with students. The website includes various guides and resources that assist students through the process of securing off-campus outpatient care. You can search providers by area of practice (e.g., academic stress, addiction, etc.), therapeutic approach, race, gender, health insurance, and much more. To visit ThrivingCampus and connect to an off-campus, outpatient provider, click here. Psychologist on retainer: Talking with a counselor or therapist has shown to alleviate stress symptoms and is an effective way to help you reach solutions for problems that may be causing stress. Counselors offer individual and group counseling for a range of concerns, such as stress, anxiety, depression, difficulty adjusting, eating concerns, relationship issues, grief, etc. All health information discussed is confidential. To request a referral to SUNY Optometry’s psychologist on retainer, please contact Dr. Albieri at galbieri@sunyopt.edu

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