Muskingum News

As Muskingum University students transitioned to learning remotely due to the COVID-19 shutdown, Counseling Services staff prioritized finding the best ways to remain in contact with students to continue providing a therapeutic outlet. While daily emails, an increased social media presence, and mental health checklist shares kept the connection strong, director of Counseling Tracy Bugglin wanted to extend the strong personal bond with students from a distance – enter telecounseling services.

“This is a stressful and emotional time for students so continuing to support them to promote their overall mental wellness while studying away from campus was our number one goal,” said Bugglin. “We immediately realized that distance counseling was the most effective way to extend our services, so we worked to implement this option right away.”

Bugglin and counselor Leah Shirer enrolled in a two-day training to become HIPPA compliant in teletherapy, which means sessions can be completed by video, phone, or email. Once the certification was completed, both immediately reached out to students to offer the service, and students positively responded, ranging from one-time check-ins to regular weekly appointments.

“We are so pleased in the continued strong response to telecounseling as this is an important outlet for students,” said Bugglin. “And we can’t wait to see everyone safely on campus as soon as possible.”