Spring Break
InTouch Crisis Hotline here to help
Carlos Garrido
Issue date: 4/23/07 Section: Pulse
Media Credit: Christina HussarRegardless of severity or specific dilemma, the UIC InTouch Crisis Hotline is available for students and community members who need to talk to someone.
The time of cramming test material for final examinations and turning in term papers is quickly approaching. As students begin this unfavorable portion of the semester, they can be heavily burdened by stress. Even after the spring term ends and summer term begins, the stressors of life seem forever lasting. Luckily, the InTouch Crisis Hotline is available for those who would like to speak to someone about various issues. From everyday life-stressors, to longer lasting crises, the Hotline is there to help students who need it. The InTouch Hotline is not restricted to student use and residents of the Chicagoland area who are in need of crisis intervention or referrals are also encouraged to call.
The issues facing callers may range from, but are not limited to, feelings of anxiety or isolation, conflict resolution, sexuality issues and the need for referrals to other agencies. Whatever the issue, each caller can be sure that someone on the other line is listening attentively in a non-judgmental fashion. In addition, the hotline abides by a strict confidentiality policy that respects the privacy of others while enforcing safety for all those involved. Every caller is treated with the utmost respect and given a chance to talk out his or her issues.
The hotline is staffed by a group of volunteer UIC students who are trained by the UIC Paraprofessional Program. The InTouch Crisis Hotline is available everyday from 6:00 - 10:30 p.m., and can be reached by calling (312) 996-5535.
Aside from offering the general public a chance to debrief about life's challenges, the InTouch Crisis Hotline also provides UIC students the opportunity to get hands-on training in the career of a paraprofessional. The hotline is a great way to get involved, make new friends and to participate in the betterment of society.
When asked about their experiences at InTouch, one volunteer remarked, "The hotline not only teaches, it inspires and motivates its members."
Past winners of the Psi Chi (the psychology honors society) essay writing contest have continually mentioned volunteering for the hotline as one of their top choices. Volunteers agree that the experience gained from the hotline has helped them look more attractive in applications for graduate school. Volunteering has also helped in determining whether a degree in clinical psychology or social work is the right choice for an individual.
The program requires prospective volunteers to enroll in PSYCH 394: Special Topics in Psychology class. This class focuses on clinical training for the paraprofessional position within the hotline. Upon completion of the course, students are required to volunteer at least once a week for a minimum of eight months.
For more information about joining the hotline, contact course coordinator Dr. Michael Selders at selders@uic.edu.
To ensure a completely anonymous atmosphere, the identity of all persons affiliated with InTouch along with the center's location is kept confidential.
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The issues facing callers may range from, but are not limited to, feelings of anxiety or isolation, conflict resolution, sexuality issues and the need for referrals to other agencies. Whatever the issue, each caller can be sure that someone on the other line is listening attentively in a non-judgmental fashion. In addition, the hotline abides by a strict confidentiality policy that respects the privacy of others while enforcing safety for all those involved. Every caller is treated with the utmost respect and given a chance to talk out his or her issues.
The hotline is staffed by a group of volunteer UIC students who are trained by the UIC Paraprofessional Program. The InTouch Crisis Hotline is available everyday from 6:00 - 10:30 p.m., and can be reached by calling (312) 996-5535.
Aside from offering the general public a chance to debrief about life's challenges, the InTouch Crisis Hotline also provides UIC students the opportunity to get hands-on training in the career of a paraprofessional. The hotline is a great way to get involved, make new friends and to participate in the betterment of society.
When asked about their experiences at InTouch, one volunteer remarked, "The hotline not only teaches, it inspires and motivates its members."
Past winners of the Psi Chi (the psychology honors society) essay writing contest have continually mentioned volunteering for the hotline as one of their top choices. Volunteers agree that the experience gained from the hotline has helped them look more attractive in applications for graduate school. Volunteering has also helped in determining whether a degree in clinical psychology or social work is the right choice for an individual.
The program requires prospective volunteers to enroll in PSYCH 394: Special Topics in Psychology class. This class focuses on clinical training for the paraprofessional position within the hotline. Upon completion of the course, students are required to volunteer at least once a week for a minimum of eight months.
For more information about joining the hotline, contact course coordinator Dr. Michael Selders at selders@uic.edu.
To ensure a completely anonymous atmosphere, the identity of all persons affiliated with InTouch along with the center's location is kept confidential.
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