Buffalo State University is one of eight SUNY institutions providing access to mental health counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through a new partnership with Christie Campus Health, a leading provider of mental health and well-being support services to universities nationwide.
Students can call the Bengal Support Line at (833) 823-0260 at any time to confidentially speak with a licensed mental health counselor for free. Students are also connected to next steps, if required, to ensure they receive the mental health support they need.
“The Bengal Support Line is an extension of the many mental health supports at Buffalo State’s Counseling Center,” said Jack Mack, associate clinical manager and licensed psychologist at the center. “Students can call with a mental health emergency, or because they need advice about someone else, or just because they are feeling lonely or anxious or want to talk to someone.
“Instead of a generic hotline, the Bengal Support Line counselors are familiar with the unique challenges of college students and the resources available at Buffalo State University,” Mack said. “Plus, the average answering time is six seconds, so day or night, students can talk to someone almost immediately.”
Students can also access a digital wellness hub through the Counseling Center website that provides videos and articles on a variety of wellness topics such as mental and emotional health, stress management, and more.
The partnership with Christie Campus Health is tailored to support students by expanding and complementing on-campus mental health services. The program is managed by a highly experienced service team that partners with university counseling centers and other student services to maintain a seamless experience for students that ensures consistent communication, education, and tracking.
“We are excited to help SUNY students by providing in-the-moment support with our 24/7 clinical support line,” said Kaitlin Gallo, Christie Campus Health’s chief clinical officer. “The platform enables students to reach licensed mental health professionals within seconds to work through their concerns, de-escalate issues, practice coping skills, or provide support between therapy sessions.”
The Counseling Center at Buffalo State is located on the second floor of the Weigel Wellness Center. To make an appointment or consult with a counselor in person, stop in to Weigel or call (716) 878-4436.
Photo by Mara Ket | Unsplash.
