About Therapy Services at Hillel at FIU:

Hillel at FIU, in collaboration with The Greater Miami Jewish Federation (GMJF) and BeWell Miami, offers counseling services with a licensed therapist. The therapist is currently available for clients both online via telehealth and in person.

Therapy provides a secure and nurturing environment to address life's obstacles, discover oneself, develop coping strategies, and enhance relationships. Typical reasons for seeking therapy include anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship issues, identity exploration, sexuality, perfectionism, social media impact, body image, substance use, and career dilemmas.

Parents, faculty, staff, and peers are encouraged to support students by guiding them to counseling services. Please note, according to confidentiality laws, appointments cannot be scheduled by third parties. Students interested in Hillel at FIU counseling services must initiate the request themselves.

Confidentiality: 

Your confidentiality is paramount when you seek therapy services at Hillel at FIU. Your sessions are confidential, adhering to legal guidelines with specific exceptions. Therapy records remain separate from FIU and Hillel’s official records and cannot be accessed by parents, guardians, university staff, or faculty without your explicit written consent once you are 18 years old. Furthermore, your attendance at sessions cannot be confirmed without your prior written authorization. This ensures that your privacy and trust are respected throughout your therapy experience. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

• Why is Hillel at FIU providing therapy services?

  1. Hillel at FIU is providing therapy services to address the growing mental health needs among college-aged students, a demographic increasingly affected by mental health challenges. These services aim to support students through one-on-one therapy sessions, facilitate group gatherings to foster mental health support, and promote staff wellness. We recognize that it is difficult for some students to find accessible therapy due to waiting lists and we seek to bridge this gap by offering a therapist through Hillel at FIU. Mental health issues among college students are becoming more prevalent due to various factors including academic pressures, social transitions, rising antisemitism, and the overall stress of daily life. 

• How can having a therapist benefit college students? 

  1. Having access to a therapist can significantly benefit college students in several ways. 

     1. Emotional Support: College can be a stressful time, and having a therapist provides a confidential space to discuss personal challenges and receive emotional support. 

     2. Coping Strategies: Therapists can help students develop coping strategies and resilience skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues effectively. Therapists can provide students with effective skills for transitioning into a college environment (i.e. independent living skills, time management, etc.).

     3. Social and Interpersonal Skills: Therapy sessions can enhance communication skills, assertiveness, and the ability to navigate social relationships, which are crucial for success in both academic and professional environments. 

     4. Early Intervention: Addressing mental health concerns can prevent them from escalating into more serious problems that might interfere with academic progress and overall well-being. 

  2. By offering therapy services, Hillel at FIU not only supports the mental health and well-being of its students but also contributes to creating a campus environment that fosters personal growth, resilience, and academic success. Hillel at FIU is prioritizing mental health by offering accessible and supportive resources for students, recognizing the heightened need in today’s climate for robust mental health support. 

• Who is the therapist? 

  1. Remy Gordon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a diverse background in therapy. Remy earned a Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis in 2017 and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in social work from Tulane University. Her professional journey includes working in various therapeutic settings, such as the school system, in-home therapy, assertive community treatment teams, psychiatric units in hospitals, homeless shelters for adolescents, and in private practice. 

  2. Before transitioning to therapy, Remy was a school teacher, where she gained firsthand insight into the challenges children, adolescents and young adults face daily. This experience fueled her passion for therapy, rooted in a deep-seated desire to help and listen to others. For Remy, being a therapist is not merely a profession but an integral part of her identity. She is so excited for this new role at Hillel at FIU to be able to provide compassionate support, guide students through their challenges, and help foster a supportive environment conducive to personal growth and well-being. 

• What therapy modalities will she use? 

  1. Remy uses a diverse range of therapeutic modalities tailored to meet the specific needs of each student at Hillel at FIU. Her approach is integrative, combining techniques to create a supportive and effective therapeutic environment aimed at creating lasting change in students’ lives. Her goal is to provide a comfortable environment for students to feel safe and validated as they create a lasting change in their lives. She utilizes various therapy modalities including but not limited to talk therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Recovery Oriented (CT-R) and Motivational Interviewing. 

• Who is eligible to receive services from our therapist? 

  1. Any Jewish student who is currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at FIU, who is interested in Hillel, regardless of their background, is eligible to receive services from our therapist. Therapy services are designed to support students facing various challenges such as the stress of college life, issues related to gender or sexuality, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, or any other personal concerns. The therapist will provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can seek support and work towards improving their well-being and mental health. 

• Are services in-person or virtual? 

  1. Therapy services at Hillel at FIU will be offered both in-person and virtually. Individual therapy sessions will be available through a secure HIPAA compliant telehealth platform, allowing students to access support remotely if preferred or necessary. Group therapy sessions, however, will primarily be conducted in person to facilitate a supportive and interactive environment for students. This dual approach ensures flexibility and accessibility for students seeking mental health support, accommodating different preferences and needs while maintaining a secure and effective therapeutic setting. 

• What is the cost of therapy? 

  1. Therapy services at Hillel at FIU are 100% free! 

• How do I schedule? 

  1. To schedule an appointment for mental health support, whether you're facing challenges or seeking to maintain your well-being, please fill out the form provided. Remy will contact you with further information.