The Counseling Center acknowledges the impact of the recent tragic events on our students at Appalachian State as well as the long-standing historical context of violence against the Black community. We at the Counseling Center stand in solidarity with our Black students, faculty, and staff in response to the violent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and many others who have died as a result of violence toward Black individuals and communities. At the Counseling Center, we recognize the adverse effects of systemic racism, violence, multigenerational racial trauma, and the weathering effects of microaggressions on the physical and emotional wellbeing of Black people and other people of color.
We care deeply about our students and recognize the grief, sorrow, anger, pain, and trauma that our students and their families may be experiencing at this time. Please know that you are not alone and that we are here to support you. We can join you in processing how systems of oppression impact you, and we can also help you connect to resources that feel safe and that resonate with you.
All students are welcome at the Counseling Center. We offer initial consultations and individual counseling sessions through TeleMental Health. Please call 828-262-3180 to get started. For those who would like support but are not interested in ongoing counseling, we also have Let's TeleTalk counselors who are available. For additional resources, please see below.
Please let us know how the Counseling Center can support you, your organizations, and our community during this time. We look forward to continuing to engage in efforts toward anti-racism and collaborating on further strategies for serving our students.
With Compassion,
The Counseling Center Staff
Resources for Black Individuals and Communities:
Black Lives Matter: Meditations
Grief is a Direct Impact of Racism: Eight Ways to Support Yourself
Liberate Meditation App (by and for people of color)
Proactively Coping with Racism
Therapy for Black Girls Podcast
Intersectionality Matters! Podcast
Association of Black Psychologists Community Self-Care Toolkit
Ally/Antiracism Resources:
How to Talk to Kids about Race: Books and Resources That Can Help
Talking About Race: Being Antiracist
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
AppState Resources:
Diversity and Inclusion at Appalachian
The Counseling Center offers after-hours emergency coverage for urgent mental health concerns such as suicidal thoughts, sexual assault, and other trauma. Call the Counseling Center at (828)262-3180 and select the option to speak with the counselor on-call.
For additional resources see our Emergency Services page.
