NSU Psychology Clinics treating heightened mental health conditions as a result of COVID-19

With COVID-19 creating so much uncertainty in our community during 2020, the importance of taking care of our mental health has only become more and more significant. Nova Southeastern University, for instance, has taken decisive action to provide support and mental health services to our community, both virtually and in-person following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

“The truth is that people are seeking therapy at increasing rates because of the isolation and the lack of social support and community that we are now socially distancing from: church, friends, co-workers, etc.,” said Dr. Amy Ellis, Interim Director of the Trauma Resolution & Integration Program in the NSU Psychology Services Center.

Ellis explains that the uncertainties of 2020, including the ambiguities of how the COVID-19 virus behaves, the social justice movement for Black Lives Matter, the national and local elections, etc., have all played a role in the mental health of previous patients and the need for mental health support for new ones.

“Some clients may have lost their jobs and have been forced to move back home to unhealthy or abusive family environments, where previous traumas may be triggered,” Dr. Ellis continued.

The NSU clinics offer a wide variety of specialty services in 15 different programs, including the Anxiety Treatment Center, Trauma Resolution and Integration, Family Violence, and Adult Services, and others. The Adult Services program, for instance, usually sees 100-130 clients each week, targeting anxiety, depression, and panic.

“These conditions have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainties weighing on our society: the loss of family and friends to COVID-19, social justice concerns, unemployment, natural disasters, etc.,” said Dr. Leonard Schnur, Associate Clinical Professor and Coordinator of the Adult Services Program in the NSU Psychology Services Center.

The clinics have seen a significant influx of clients, especially through telehealth services, as a result of the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the cost of treatment and the rate of unemployment among clients, present a challenge in the way the clinics are able to provide support for some.

The cost of the initial intake evaluation is $100, and all subsequent therapy sessions are $80. Full battery psychological, neuropsychological or Psycho-educational evaluations are $1,000; however, with supporting documentation an individual may be eligible for a reduced fee that will make services affordable.

Considering the effects of 2020 on the mental health of our community members, this year’s NSU Giving Tuesday campaign will focus on fundraising for the Mental Health Awareness, Suicide and Violence Prevention, COVID-19 Student Support Fund. Donors may, nonetheless, still designate their donation to any college, program, or area at NSU.

The NSU community will come together, as one NSU, on December 1, 2020 to support NSU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who are increasingly seeking mental health support but are unable to afford it.

Support these important initiatives during Giving Tuesday. Make a gift at: tinyurl.com/NSUGivingTuesday