Roanoke College Psychology Department

Category: Community

  • The Marcus Alert Program: Providing Roanoke Valley Officers with More Resources in Handling Mental Health Crises

    Mental health crises have always been a difficult issue for law enforcement to address. However, with the recent introduction of the Marcus Alert Program in the Roanoke Valley, police officers now have additional tools to help them better assess and respond to calls related to mental health crises.

    The Marcus Alert Program is a statewide system designed to improve responses to mental and behavioral health crises using therapists to assist police. It was named after Marcus-David Peters, a young Black man who was shot and killed by police amid a mental health crisis in 2018. The implementation of the program began in 2020, and the Roanoke region launched the program on July 1 of this year.

    The Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare CSB oversees the counties of Roanoke, Botetourt and Craig, the cities of Roanoke and Salem, and the town of Vinton, and their Marcus Alert team has already responded to 160 scenes since the program’s launch. The team consists of five clinicians, or co-response therapists, who are trained to respond to mental health crises if requested by a police officer. Clinicians can provide an in-person response, a telephone consult, or resources for follow-up within 72 hours of the initial call.

    While the program has been met with an “overwhelmingly positive” response from Roanoke Valley residents, it is only the beginning. The New River Valley CSB is also planning to launch the Marcus Alert Program by July 1, 2024, and the General Assembly has plans to implement the program across the entire state by 2028.

    Mental health crises are a difficult issue to address, and the implementation of the Marcus Alert Program is a big step in the right direction towards providing better resources and assistance to those in need. For more information, read the article posted here.

    Get Connected!

    Blog: https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
    Twitter: @RC_Psychology
    Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
    Website: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
    Instagram: rcpsychology

  • Pie-a-Prof is back!

    Pie-A-Professor is back! Roanoke College Psychology student organizations are proud to present PIE-A-PROF 2022.

    On Monday, April 25th, stop by the front patio of Colket to take part in this annual fundraiser. As usual, the proceeds from this event will go to the Bradley Free Clinic Behavioral Health Services.

    You can use this link or scan the QR code pictured above to purchase a pie for only $3.00!

    This event will be from 4:00PM to 5:00PM. We hope to see you stop by!

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    Get Connected!

    Blog: https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
    Twitter: @RC_Psychology
    Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
    Website: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
    Instagram: rcpsychology

  • Spring social event

  • Roanoke College Legacy

    Recent Graduate Samuel Paitsel has carried on a long-lasting family legacy at Roanoke College. Graduating in December 2020, Samuel followed in his family’s footsteps and became the sixth generation in his family to graduate from the school. Samuel studied psychology over his four years at Roanoke College, and is currently working as a registered behavior technician (RBT) at Therapeutic Alliance in Roanoke, Virginia. Reflecting on his time at Roanoke College, Samuel commented,

    “The professors made me feel at home, and I always felt cared about,” Paitsel says. “When I was doing rough, I knew I had a great support system to rally behind me. I also enjoyed how tight- knit the community was; you couldn’t go a day without seeing a friendly face.”

    Along with work, Samuel is training as a qualified mental health professional, focusing on children under 18 years old.

    Samuel was recently highlighted in the Roanoke College news letter.

    https://www.roanoke.edu/about/news/samuel_paitsel_family_legacy?fbclid=IwAR1hijGodj7y9dUUCHzQPct7MgRp5nFLhgloefsySPz7ql_onOGcD8i5oqo

    We wish Samuel a successful future in his career path!

  • job opportunity alert

    Research Coordinator Position in the JK Lifespan Development lab, Virginia Tech

    Applications are invited for a full-time research coordinator (lab manager) position in the JK Lifespan Development lab of Dr. Jungmeen Kim-Spoon, in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech (https://support.psyc.vt.edu/labs/jklifespan). Projects in the lab combine developmental psychopathology and decision neuroscience to investigate brain function, emotion, cognition and personality processes, decision making and health behaviors. We use a variety of methods including structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, behavioral tasks, interviews, and questionnaires. This is an excellent opportunity for a personable, motivated, and detail-oriented person seeking further research experience before applying to graduate school.  

    Primary data collection responsibilities will include: recruiting young adults and family members; scheduling visits; obtaining behavioral assessments and fMRI scanning; and oversight of data collection. Primary data management responsibilities include: management and oversight of participant databases, entering data, ensuring data reliability and completeness, and preparing data for analysis. Additional key tasks include assisting with participant tracking and retention, preparation of IRB materials, and training graduate and undergraduate students on study procedures. Training for all aspects of the position, including MRI certification, will be provided. Flexible scheduling is required (e.g., evenings, weekends, and some holidays will be required). 

    Desired qualifications include: 1) BA/BS in psychology, neuroscience, or related fields; 2) undergraduate or post-baccalaureate research experience, including participant recruitment and data collection; 3) demonstrated organizational and time management skills, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail. Experience in the administration of standard psychological assessments (including self-report, structured interviews, and behavioral tasks) and a basic understanding of data management or analysis with corresponding data (e.g., SPSS, Excel, etc.) will be considered a strength.

    Required application materials: Cover letter including statement of interest, CV/Resume, list of two references. Two letters of recommendation will be required prior to final consideration.

    Expected start date is early March 2022. Graduating seniors are eligible to apply if they can start working part-time (10-20 hours/week) during the Spring 2022 semester to be hired before transitioning to a full-time position upon graduation. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and on a rolling basis and will end when the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

    Virginia Tech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    Apply at: www.jobs.vt.edu, Job # to search: [518893].

    Pre-submission inquiries may be emailed to: Kathryn Tarnai, ktarnai@vt.edu (Research Coordinator for JK Lifespan Development Lab).

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    Get Connected!

    Blog: https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
    Twitter: @RC_Psychology
    Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
    Website: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
    Instagram: rcpsychology

  • UNC Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling Program

    The Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health (CRMH) Counseling department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has extended an invitation to students who may be interested in pursuing a degree in counseling to come to one of their upcoming Information Sessions on the following dates:

    Wednesday 11/17 12:00 pm-1:00 pm ET
    Monday 12/16 11:30am-12:30pm ET
    Tuesday 01/11 12:00 pm-1:00pm ET
    Friday 02/11 4:00pm-5:00pm ET

    In addition to their website, which can be found here, the Information Sessions are a good way to find out more about the CRMH program from a faculty member, ask questions about the program and application process, and meet with current students to hear about the program from their perspective. Interested students may RSVP to any of the above dates at CRMHinfo@med.unc.edu to receive the Zoom link for the Information Session.

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    Get Connected!

    Blog: https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
    Twitter: @RC_Psychology
    Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
    Website: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
    Instagram: rcpsychology

  • Local Organization Highlight

    Go Check out the Family and Wellness Initiative! This is a local, non-profit organization in the Roanoke area. They focus on establishing healthy, strong, and supportive family environments within the Roanoke community. They offer parenting workshops for ages 0-5 and 5-12, free community events, health advice for children (e.g., nutrition, active lifestyles, and mind and body wellness), school connections, parenting tips, and how parents can healthily learn and get involved in youth culture with their children. They are supported by Blue Ridge Behavioral Health, Prevention, and Wellness Services, and funded by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. 

    If you are interested in learning more about the Family and Wellness Initiative, you can find them at https://www.familywellnessinitiative.com/. Also make sure to follow their blog at https://www.familywellnessinitiative.com/blog!

  • Upcoming RC Events!

    Thinking of ways to gain more knowledge on important issues and topics outside of the classroom? Say less. Roanoke College offers many amazing events each week for all students and faculty to attend!

    This week, Oct 4-9, Roanoke is holding several Zoom, and in-person events and talks. On Tuesday, Oct 5, there will be an Elderscholar Program, “What’s in a statue? Notes on the Roanoke Country confederate memorial” led by Dr. Robert Willingham from 12 PM – 1:15 PM. On Wednesday from 12 PM – 1:15 PM, the Eldershcolar Program will be hosting another talk, “Writing Your Story” by Ms. Mary Crockett Hill. Also on Wednesday from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, there will be an informative talk on Covid-19 titled “Ask the Epidemiologist.” Alumni Ashley Briggs ‘13 and her colleagues will host a Zoom discussion on the impact and experiences throughout the pandemic. 

    These are just a few examples of upcoming events. For more information, visit https://www.roanoke.edu/events.

    Get out and learn!

  • out of the darkness walk

    This month is Suicide Prevention month. Roanoke College has decided to organize a walk to spread awareness, show support, and hopefully raise money to help reduce suicide rates.

    The walk is on campus from 10-12 and anyone is welcome to participate.

    If you want more information or are able to donate please go to https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=281966

    I hope to see you guys there!

  • Internship Opportunity: Therapy 4 the People

    Therapy4thePeople is a new non-profit making it easier to access mental healthcare in the US by focusing on three of the biggest barriers to care: cost, complexity, and cultural mismatch. They are currently looking for an intern to help plan their social media content and manage accounts on Twitter and Instagram. Therapy4thePeople – Find mental health support that fits your budget and unique needs.

    About the Organization

    Therapy4thePeople is building the first national directory of free and low-cost mental health services that goes beyond therapy to include overlooked sources of support like chat services, support groups, research studies, and self-guided programs. They also bring expertise and insider knowledge onto their blog, where they publish guidance on navigating the mental health system and finding culturally sensitive care.

    We are excited to expand our communications team to ensure that we get these important resources to the people who need them most.

    More information about the organization can be found on their website, on their About Us page. You can also check out their existing Twitter account, @therapy4theppl.

    About the Role

    From the organization: “We’re looking for an intern to help plan our social media content and manage our accounts on Twitter and Instagram. The intern will play a key role in disseminating our work to help-seekers and mental health professionals on these platforms. Their primary role will be to create social media content that promotes our directory and blog and provides updates on our work. We’re also looking for someone who will find, create, and share online content aligned with our organization’s values (e.g., health equity, culturally sensitive care, evidence-based treatments, social justice). The intern will track social media engagement to help us maximize Therapy4thePeople’s impact and reach. One year commitment is required, with a flexible schedule of approximately 3-5 hours per week, including regular check-ins with our Executive Team. If looking for additional hours or experiences for internship credit, this role can be expanded.”

    Role Qualifications:
    • Proficient with major social media platforms including Twitter and Instagram (TikTok is a plus!).
    • Strong writing skills and creativity.
    • Experience creating visual content (e.g., infographics, memes).
    • Experience with the mental health field (e.g., psychology student, provider, consumer).
    • Commitment to increasing access to affordable and culturally sensitive mental health services.
    • Self-motivated, able to work independently, and collaborative.
    • No formal higher education is necessary – instead, enthusiasm for and sincere interest in improving access to mental health services is most important.
    Why Join Therapy4thePeople?

    This organization says the role includes the following benefits…

    • Work on a collaborative team of early career professionals in psychology and social work who are committed to supporting and mentoring the intern.
    • Take on a fulfilling and impactful role that promotes mental health access.
    • Flexible schedule and independence.
    • Position is unpaid, however we’re happy to fulfill credit hours for internship coursework or write letters of recommendation in the future

    Application Process

    Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that includes information about relevant mental health and social media experience, and two sample Twitter posts (preferably with visual content). Applications are due Sunday June 6. Applicants should expect to hear back regarding their application within two weeks, and if deemed a strong fit for the role, will be invited to a Zoom interview with the Therapy4thePeople co-founders. Please direct all inquiries about this position and application materials to:
    Therapy4thePeople Executive Team
    therapy4thepeople@gmail.com

    “Our work centers the needs and experiences of people from marginalized groups, especially Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and those from lower income backgrounds. We know that we can only achieve our mission if our team reflects the communities we aim to serve. Applicants who bring a diversity of lived experiences and identities are strongly encouraged to apply.” – Therapy4thePeople

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    Get Connected!

    Blog: https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
    Twitter: @RC_Psychology
    Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
    Website: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
    Instagram: rcpsychology