For students, college life can be an exciting time- lots of opportunities for new experiences, relationships, and learning about the world and ourselves. It can sometimes also be a difficult and stressful time that can challenge a student's emotional and physical health. Some students may feel they need extra support to cope with personal issues that may be interfering with their ability to make the most of their UMBC experience and others may just benefit from our range of health and mental health services.
Through trauma-informed, culturally sensitive counseling services, our counselors work collaboratively with students to improve their emotional well-being, balance priorities, enhance interpersonal relationships, empower them with useful coping skills to attain success in and out of the classroom, and support them to access additional outside services to meet their needs. Our counselors come from a variety of backgrounds and specializations.
All counseling services are free and confidential. We provide short-term individual counseling, group counseling, performance enhancement consultations, as well as crisis intervention, outreach, consultation, and referral services. For faculty, staff, and student families, our counseling team is available to consult regarding how to support a student.
For students, our medical team provides both primary and limited urgent care services, including annual well and gynecological (GYN) visits, updating vaccinations and boosters, screening for various diseases, and treating acute illnesses and minor injuries. We also provide psychiatry, acupuncture services, and dietitian consultations. Our medical team operates like an outside doctors office in that they bill insurance and payments can be billed to your student account.
RIH also offers a wide variety of Free Online Supports for students, including:
Togetherall- an anonymous, online peer support community
Welltrack Boost- virtual self-help modules, mood tracker, zen room, and screening tools
Welltrack Connect- an online database and communication tool to assist you in finding mental health treatment in the community
We are located at the Center for Wellbeing across from the library. More information is available on our website at health.umbc.edu.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at RIH@umbc.edu if you have any questions.
Just as it's important to lead a healthy, active lifestyle to help improve your health, it's important to keep your family healthy and happy, too. Healthy family practices such as healthy eating, exercising, and being proactive with family health care encourages your family to engage in long-term healthy behaviors. This month's newsletter provides information that will empower you and your family to be the healthiest family in your neighborhood. Remember, the Wellness Program is here to support you and your family on your Thrive journey!
Wednesday, August 27, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Maryland Access Point 101
The Maryland Department of Aging's Maryland Access Point (MAP) is a gateway to long term services and support in Maryland. Hear from a MAP specialist about how to access private and public long-term care support such as financial aid, nutritious meal delivery, senior community centers and clubs, nutritious meals, pharmacy and medical assistance, housing and transportation options, volunteer opportunities, and more. Whether you're looking to understand resources for yourself, your family, or the communities you serve, this session is a great opportunity to learn how MAP can help. All MAP services are free.
Monday, August 18, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: The Power of Resilience
Resilience is
the inner strength that empowers you to navigate life’s toughest challenges.
Discover how the power of resilience can help you achieve balance, boost your
confidence, and unlock personal power to rise above whatever life puts in your
path. And when you grow stronger, so does your family - resilience fosters
emotional stability, healthier relationships, and a supportive home environment
where everyone thrives together..
Register for 8/18 The Power of Resilience
Monday, August 25, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: The Power of Talk Therapy
Talk therapy offers a powerful avenue for individuals and families to explore emotions, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. In talk therapy, effective strategies to overcome anxiety, insecurities, and stress are presented and practiced. Learn more about how talk therapy can benefit you and your family members, how to find a therapist, and the resources available to you.
Tuesday, August 19, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Crispy, golden, and bursting with tropical flair, these coconut shrimp are a one-way ticket to flavor paradise! Master the magic of the air fryer crunch without the oil, plus whip up a zesty dipping sauce that'll have you licking your fingers. Keep the napkins handy!
Register for 8/19 Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Tuesday, August 26, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Summer Vegetable Tart
Learn to layer seasonal veggies on a savory base with a flaky crust that is baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect way to showcase summer’s bounty!
Wednesday, August 20, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Caring for an Aging Loved One
The role of a caregiver can be physically demanding, emotionally exhausting, and often lonely. But you don't have to carry it all alone. Discover practical ways to protect your well-being by learning how to recognize burnout before it takes hold, manage stress through small daily habits, and connect with supportive resources designed to help caregivers thrive.
Thursday, August 21, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Chair Yoga
Give yourself the gift of relaxation and renewal with restorative chair yoga! This gentle practice helps you stretch and lengthen your spine, release built-up muscle tension, and boost circulation, all while staying comfortably seated. Perfect for all fitness levels, chair yoga will leave you feeling refreshed, invigorated, and ready to take on the day!
Thursday, August 28, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Self-Care for Parents
Parenting can be a wild ride of equal parts joy, love, and chaos. As a parent, you give your all to your children, but that doesn't mean you have to lose yourself in the process. Learn how to ease parenting stress and discover smart, guilt-free ways to carve out time for you. A happier parent is the key to a happier family!
Friday, August 22, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Focus on Positive Moments
Do you reminisce about past good times more than you look forward to future fun? Adding an intentional focus on each day's positive moments - whether it's a smile from a stranger or the perfect cup of coffee - helps rewire your brain to notice the everyday good. Try this - you'll like it!
Register for 8/22 Focus on Positive Moments
Friday, August 29, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Bring in the Positive!
When you bring in the positive, you reduce stress and anger, improve your happiness level and raise your overall life satisfaction. Research has shown that you can even improve your confidence!
Friday, August 29, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Screen Time and Brain Health
Interacting with screens and smart phones impacts mental, physical, and social health. Learn the impact on the brain, the signs and symptoms of digital addiction, and how you and your family can have a healthier relationship with the digital world..
Register for 8/29 Screen Time and Brain Health
MSRP webinars are open to all Faculty and Staff.
Walk Me Through - Online Enrollment Tutorial
Let's Enroll Together! This webinar will assist you with enrolling in a
Maryland Supplemental Retirement Plan 457(b), 401(k), or 403(b).
A Nationwide Representative will walk you through, step by step, explaining how
you can easily enroll in approximately 10 minutes.
You must have your 6-digit payroll code (360231) and payroll type available to enroll during the webinar.
MSRP Basics: Building Your Financial Foundation
Join us for a comprehensive overview designed to help you take full advantage of the State of Maryland's Supplemental Retirement Plans. Whether you're a new employee or looking to refresh your knowledge, this webinar will cover how these plans work, their benefits, and how you can start building a secure financial future.
Beyond the Basics: MSRP Strategies for Every Age of Your Career
As a State of Maryland employee, you have access to exclusive savings opportunities through the Maryland Supplemental Retirement Plans. This webinar will provide an in-depth look at practical strategies to help you maximize these benefits at every stage of your career.
MSRP webinars are open to all Faculty and Staff.
"Frauds and Scams: A Guide to Outsmarting Scammers"
Over $12.5 BILLION lost in 2024: Americans are losing more money every year to online scams! While the internet offers access to a world of products, services, and information, it also creates opportunities for imposters, hackers, and identity thieves. Learn how to limit your exposure to help prevent identity theft and protect yourself from popular scams!
"Putting It All Together for Retirement"
Have you asked yourself: How much income will I need for my retirement? Have I saved enough in my MSRP plan? When is the best time for me to take Social Security? Join us to gain the insights you need to answer these important questions.
“Investing Basics: Managing Volatility”
Understanding the fundamentals of investing can help you make informed investment decisions—even in uncertain times. Learn practical strategies to manage market volatility and stay focused on your long-term investment goals. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your approach, you’ll leave with tools to feel more confident and in control of your financial future.
Tuesday, August 12, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: A Parent's Guide to Kids and Money Workshop
It's important that your children understand the fundamentals of good money habits and how to make sound spending, saving, and investing decisions. That's why MetLife is offering A Parent's Guide to Kids and Money: Toddlers to Teens workshop. Spouses and partners are welcome!
Just as it's important to lead a healthy, active lifestyle to help improve your health, it's important to keep your family healthy and happy, too. Healthy family practices such as healthy eating, exercising, and being proactive with family health care encourages your family to engage in long-term healthy behaviors. This month's newsletter provides information that will empower you and your family to be the healthiest family in your neighborhood. Remember, the Wellness Program is here to support you and your family on your Thrive journey!
Invite family members to join!
Ready for takeoff? Let’s make well-being a world-class adventure!
Register Today!Monday, August 11, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: The Power of Social Support
Having a strong support system is essential for emotional well-being - not just for individuals, but for families too. Discover the mental and emotional benefits of social support, the risks of going without it, and how reaching out during tough times can strengthen both personal and family well-being.
Tuesday, August 12, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Lentil Salad with Pan-Seared Chicken
Meet your new weeknight dinner hero and up your intake of healthy legumes in this bold and flavorful dish! Dressed with Ladolemono, a Greek lemon salad dressing, and paired with perfectly pan-seared chicken that's juicy, golden, and irresistible, you and your family will want this in your weekly rotation.
Wednesday, August 6, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Building Positive Relationships and the Effect on Health
Your relationships aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential for well-being. Learn how to build and maintain meaningful bonds, become a truly active listener, and explore the life-changing impact of mentorship from experts.
Register for 8/6 Building Positive Relationships
Wednesday, August 13, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Healthy Eating for the Whole Family
Join us to discover evidence-based strategies that transform mealtime into fun, nutritious experiences for everyone - even the fussiest of eaters! Learn how to make balanced meals that appeal to diverse tastes, turn picky eating into playful exploration, and create lasting positive food experiences.
Thursday, August 7, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Chair Pilates
Experience the power of Pilates! Get ready to feel empowered, refreshed, and stronger with this core workout and mini retreat just for you!
Register for 8/7 Chair Pilates
Thursday, August 14, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Family Health
Explore ways to keep you and your loved ones healthy with everyday wellness habits, important health screenings, and common concerns so that you feel confident and supported on your family's health journey.
Friday, August 8, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Breathe Away Anxious Thoughts
August marks the end of summer for many of us - our children are going back to school, there's less daylight, and we regret not doing enough fun things during summer. This experience is called "August Anxiety." Breathe away August Anxiety in this guided meditation.
Register for 8/8 Breathe Away Anxious Thoughts
Friday, August 15, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Giving Gladness to Your Thinking Mind
With your thoughts still on summer and perhaps turning to Fall, take time in this meditation to give gladness to your mind for its ability to consider your past, present, and future.
Friday, August 8, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Sleep for Health
Healthy sleep is as important for good health as physical activity, stress management, and healthy eating. Learn why sleep is important for all family members, how adequate sleep improves cognitive and physical performance, and how to manage sleep difficulty.
Register for 8/8 Sleep for Health
Friday, August 15, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Choosing Appropriate Care
Navigating the healthcare system can be confusing at times. Learn when urgent care and non-urgent care are appropriate, the difference between preventive care and diagnostic care, and how to find the right provider at the right time for your family.
Register for 8/15 Choosing Appropriate Care