Clinic staffed by University’s licensed social work faculty and clinical social work graduate students
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.—The Monmouth University School of Social Work recently launched the Community Care Telehealth Clinic (MUCCTC), a free, online counseling service with flexible hours for the external community. Available via cell phones, computers, and tablets, the counseling support program is open to New Jersey residents 18 years or older who are not members of the Monmouth University community.
“Given the tremendous demand for accessible telehealth counseling services in light of COVID-19, and as an institution of higher education, the School of Social Work at Monmouth University was in a unique position to help meet the needs of New Jersey residents while also facilitating a supervised, hands-on professional learning opportunity for our graduate students,” Robin Mama, Ph.D., dean of the School of Social Work, said. “Our mission is to be a community leader in providing accessible telehealth counseling services to adults in New Jersey, while offering a model of learning that is beneficial to our students, faculty, and the community at large.”
Four licensed clinical social work faculty members and six clinical graduate interns from the University’s School of Social Work will staff the MUCCTC and work collaboratively to promote the emotional and mental well-being of individuals seeking services.
Elena Mazza, Ph.D., clinic coordinator and director of the social work master’s degree program, said, “Built on the values of the social work profession, the clinic is dedicated to providing service grounded in integrity and committed to equality and diversity by respecting the importance of all human relationships and the dignity and worth of every individual. We are excited to be up and running and look forward to serving those in need.”
In addition to Mazza, all Monmouth University faculty members affiliated with the clinic are licensed clinical social workers, including: Christa Hogan, director of the social work bachelor’s degree program; Joelle Zabotka, Ph.D., associate professor and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor; and Ralph Cuseglio, DSW, assistant professor.
Monmouth University students in need of counseling or support should continue to reach out to the Counseling and Psychological Services office at 732-571-7517 or mucounseling@monmouth.edu; University employees should utilize their health insurance or the Employee Assistance Program if eligible and can reach out to Human Resources for assistance at 732-571-3470 or humanresources@monmouth.edu.
For further information or to make an appointment, contact MUCCTC at mucctc@monmouth.edu or call 732-263-5800. For more information on the Monmouth University School of Social Work, visit monmouth.edu/school-of-social-work.