Director's Corner: Frances Diaz, Psy.D.

Frances Diaz, Psy.D.

Dear UCI Students and Community,

Acts of violence, hatred, and racism  towards members of the AAPI Community have increased exponentially since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic.  The Counseling Center extends empathy to our students, staff, faculty, and entire UCI Community who are directly and indirectly impacted by the acts of violence occurring around the world. We reassert our position of solidarity with  all members of our AAPI Community, against any form of xenophobia, oppression, and racism.  Our communities are hurting.  Know that we see you, we support you, and we are here for you. The profound psychological impact of these current events are REAL and can weigh on us. 

The Counseling Center is guided by the values of Service, Community, Inclusion & Advocacy, and Integrity & Accountability. We, as a UCI community, must not become numb to the longstanding experiences of visible and invisible racism  that have come to a culmination in the current times.  We must recognize the grief, pain, sadness, despair, anger, exhaustion, and full range of emotions that are being experienced before true healing can begin.   It is our hope that the UCI Anteater community can come together in support of those who are suffering. Please take care of yourselves and reach out to take care of one another, as the healing power within our community is great.  Please also know that the UCI Counseling Center is here to support you.

Sending Support!

UCI Counseling Center Staff

For Life Threatening Emergencies or for Urgent Care needs 24/7:

  • Call (949) 824-6457 and select Option # 2. You will be transferred to a crisis support line
  • Text “Home” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line
  • Call National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255
  • Call UCI Campus Police at (949) 824-5223
  • Call 911
  • Go to your nearest Emergency Room

 

During regular business hours (Monday through Friday 8am-5pm) in order to schedule routine appointments and for all other inquiries:

  • Please Call (949) 824-6457 to speak to a front office staff member about scheduling an appointment, to learn more about our current services, or if you trying to reach one of our mental health professionals.
    • Please note that if someone from our office has to return a phone call that it will come from a blocked number
    • In case we do not reach you, please ensure you have set up your voice mail and that you regularly check your messages

Frances Diaz- UCI Counseling Center Director 

Mind Your ZOT!

Check Your Tech

For many people, social media use provides a helpful opportunity to connect with others across the world. However, just like many other things in life, it’s helpful to intentionally monitor use.

Here are three key DON’Ts for social media/tech use.

1)      Don’t use electronics less than 30 minutes before bed.

2)      Don’t watch television or check social media while in bed.

3)      Don’t base your self-worth on the number of likes and followers you receive.

 

Here are three key DOs for social media/tech use.

1)      DO intentionally use social media to further expand social connections, not replace them.

2)      DO mindfully engage self-care, which can include watching movies and TV shows on various electronic devices.

3)      DO use strong passwords for your various accounts.

 

For more informatoin on how to manage stress related to the COVID-19 outbreak, please click here. 

Additional Resources:

Notice of Nondiscrimination