SSWANA Virtual Let's Talk Fridays

Kusha Murarka, PsyD will be conducting "Let's Talk" drop-in counseling for SSWANA (South Asian, Southwest Asian & North African) identifying students on Fridays from 10:00am to 12:00pm* (*unless otherwise noted in sign-up sheets ).

Why Let's Talk?
+FREE access to supportive counseling and referral to resources
+Confidential, safe space for informal consultations
+Culturally Centered
+Easy Sign-up online below

Virtual Drop-In Hours
Fridays, **1:00-3:00pm, sign up sheet available BELOW
**NEW HOURS for Fall 2022

HOW to SCHEDULE
Please leave your name (or initials), email, and THEN click the "Leave a Comment" section, and add phone number for me to call you at the scheduled time, and indicate whether you prefer a phone call or a Zoom video visit.
Leaving this information in the "Leave a Comment" section is *EXTREMELY IMPORTANT* so that I know how to contact to you.

If your preference is to have a video consultation via Zoom, please use the following URL at the time selected, and I will start the meeting at the designated time.
https://berkeley-uhs.zoom.us/my/kmurarka

You can also call (510) 664-7957 to request a callback. If prompted to leave a voicemail when you call, please CLEARLY state your name and a callback number (twice), and I will return the call as soon as I can.

Let’s Talk sessions could be used to:
* learn more about mental health resources and virtual therapy services
* talk about stress and anxiety related to academics and/or relationship concerns
* learn about healthy ways to cope with stress and other concerns
* get emotional support and identify ways to increase social connection during shelter-in-place
* create a menu of therapy options to consider, or identify a future plan of action with CAPS
* get consultation on how to support a student in distress

*DISCLAIMER*
- Although Let’s Talk Consultations are with mental health professionals, they are not formal therapy sessions and do not constitute mental health treatment. If you would like to schedule a therapy appointment, please call the CAPS office at (510) 642-9494 for a same-day scheduled session or login to eTang to schedule an appointment within 16 hours.
- Let's Talk Consultation sessions are not an appropriate type of service for urgent concerns. For urgent issues, crisis counseling is still available through the CAPS office. Please call (510) 642-9494 to speak with someone urgently.
- If you have access to a confidential and private space, located in the state of CA, you are eligible for telemental health services with Dr. Murarka (licensed in CA), including a video or phone consultation. If these requirements are not met, we can still connect via phone for a brief check-in.

In humble solidarity,
Kusha Murarka, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY 29723)
Counseling and Psychological Services
University Health Services
UC Berkeley

For after-hours support, please call the 24/7 support line at (855) 817-5667.