Outreach Services

Outreach Mission

In support of the overall mission of the Counseling Center, outreach services are provided to all members of the UCI student community.  Our goal is to extend services beyond the walls of the Counseling Center and to create learning environments outside of the formal classroom setting.  Outreach Services are viewed as falling under three major areas:

1)  Information about Counseling Center Services

Includes a short description of all services and programs, provides information on how to access and use the services, and discusses such important topics as confidentiality, staff credentials, and areas of staff expertise.

2)  Student Development

Consultation and training for the purpose of assisting our students in acquiring knowledge and skills that will enhance their normal developmental process and facilitate their optimal level of functioning at UCI.  Training in this area is provided through two primary avenues: 1) Requests made from student groups which would include such topics as Mature, Interpersonal Relationships; Values Clarification; and Life Style Transitions and 2) Classes taught by Counseling Center staff for residents of three of our undergraduate housing complexes; Campus Village, Mesa Court, and Middle Earth.  A few examples of past course offerings would include Interpersonal Relationships, Intersections of Diversity, and Leadership and Identity.

3)  Primary Prevention

Assists students in acquiring knowledge and skills that will improve resilience and healthy functioning, thus preventing or reducing the risk of emotional distress.  Examples of topics coming under this area would include Stress Management, Mediation Skills, and Assertiveness Training.

Modes of Delivery

1)  Workshops / Training

Designed to meet specific student need, workshops provide an interactive, experiential learning opportunity.  The majority of presentations run approximately 50 minutes in length.  The following represents topics typically presented in a workshop format:

  • Abusive Relationships
  • Assertion Training
  • Body Image
  • Communication Skills
  • Cross-cultural Competence
  • Cross-cultural Interactions
  • Depression
  • Intimate Relationships
  • Life Transitions
  • Living Together
  • Mediation Skills
  • Overcoming Procrastination
  • Stress Management
  • Test Anxiety and Study Skills
  • Wellness
  • Interracial / Interethnic Relationships
  • Academic Persistence for Underserved Populations

2)  Presentations

While informational and interactive, presentations differ from workshops in that the focus is not on experiential learning.  Examples of this category would encompass panel presentations, guest lectures, and general student orientations.  Information about Counseling Center Services would be provided via this format.

3.) General Outreach

Would include, for example, the Center’s involvement in such areas as health and informational fairs, and mental health screening days.

4)  Consultation

Consultation to student groups pertaining to mental health / wellness topics.  This area would include consultation to a student organization  regarding a possible request for a workshop or presentation.  Student groups desiring an outreach service are welcome to consult with Counseling Center personnel in order to determine which service would best meet their needs.