Mental health counselor offers support within College of Engineering and Applied Science
Meet Amy Blankenship, CEAS clinical counselor, who is ready to welcome CEAS students
Clinical counselor Amy Blankenship joined the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati to offer mental health support for CEAS students.
Blankenship knows UC — she’s a Bearcat alumna and she’s also a Cincinnati native who lives with her family and their dog, Charlie, on the city’s east side. After working in the field of education, she returned to school and earned her master’s in counseling from Northern Kentucky University. Blankenship has been working as a licensed professional clinical counselor since 2009 and she is certified in trauma care.
Get to know Amy Blankenship, CEAS embedded counselor:
Your undergraduate degree is from UC. What’s your favorite spot on campus?
Campus has changed a lot since I was a student! Back then, it was the lawn between TUC and McMicken on sunny days with my friends. Now, it is definitely my office in Baldwin. The tall windows and corner office provide me a beautiful view of campus.
How do you manage your own mental health?
I love to listen to and see live music, connect with nature, practice mindfulness, and spend time with my friends and family.
What do you want students to know about seeking counseling?
I strive to provide a safe space for students to just be the human that they are. My approach is very student-centered and focused on whatever the student needs in this moment. I bring my strengths of love, gratitude, and kindness to each session, and I aspire to help others achieve the change or inner-peace they desire.
Who should come see you?
Any student who needs a safe place to share whatever might be feeling heavy on your mind or in your heart. I never want anyone to feel alone in their stress or struggles.
I can meet with students to help navigate many different experiences and concerns, including, but not limited to: financial worries, social fears, managing multiple responsibilities, transitioning to college life, stress (school or home), classroom performance, depression, anxiety, racial and cultural stress and trauma, gender-based trauma, relationship concerns, grief and loss, substance abuse, and more.
How can students find services with you or through UC CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services)?
- Rapid Access Consultations serve as an entry point to clinical services. It’s a way to get support quickly. They are free, stand-alone sessions. Students can call 513-556-0648 to schedule their first appointment. If you say you are a CEAS student when you call, you can get scheduled directly with me. I have in-person, as well as virtual appointment options.
- Let’s Talk is a free, virtual or in-person 20-minute consultation program which provides easy access to conversations with me. This service is available for all UC students, located anywhere, who may not need traditional counseling, but could still benefit from one-on-one support. These appointments may also be used as brief consultation with faculty and staff regarding mental health resources and/or ways to support students of concern. Schedule online.
- Group therapy is a great way for students to explore themselves and others, and improve relationships and interpersonal skills by connecting with other Bearcats who are working on similar goals. CAPS free groups are provided virtually, as well as in person. Students can call 513-556-0648 or schedule online.
- CAPS individual therapy offers students five to six structured, goal-oriented sessions to focus on mental health goals. Both in-person and virtual sessions are available, and students can begin individual counseling sessions following a rapid access consultation appointment.
- CAPS 24/7 crisis support is available for students and those concerned about a student. Students in crisis and/or concerned parties can call 513-556-0648 during business hours for crisis support or consultation. After-hours, please call 513-556-0648, then press 1 to speak with a clinician. For life threatening emergencies, please call Public Safety or 911.
- I can also provide outreach to the campus community. Please email me, if you would be interested in a mental health related presentation for a class, faculty, or if you would like a mental health clinician’s presence for an event.
- Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) is a great, free resource to help students proactively focus on wellness. Mental Health support and resources are available anytime you need them. Create an account using your university email address. TAO can be accessed through the web or Android or iOS apps. TAO offers a mindfulness library, self-help modules, journaling, mood and well-being tracking and much more.
- Learn more about additional supports including the Reach Out App, Bearcat Support Network, and community wellness groups such as Through Our Roots.
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