comforting a student

Mental Health Services

The Office of Crisis Intervention and Prevention Services is available as a resource for you should you need assistance with life circumstances that may interfere with your learning and success at MCC. We work collaboratively with other offices at MCC, as well as community partners, to provide you with a wide range of services that meet your needs. Walk-ins and appointments are available. No appointment is needed for an emergency or crisis situation.

Take a free, anonymous, online mental health screening »

  • Get Assistance with an Emotional or Mental Health Crisis 24/7

    If you need assistance with a crisis situation after office hours, contact the 24-hour Northwestern Medicine Crisis Line at 1-800-892-8900 or download the MCHelp app from your mobile app store to speak with a professional counselor 24 hours a day.

    The MCC Campus Police are also equipped to help in crisis situations and can be reached at (815) 455-8733 (campus extension 8733).

    If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

  • How to Withdraw Due to Health Concerns

    If you feel you need to withdraw from a class due to health, mental health, or other documentable reasons related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, email studentsupport@mchenry.edu. Rachel Boldman, Director of Crisis Intervention and Prevention Services, will discuss the situation with you and provide further instructions on requesting a refund.

  • How to Notify Faculty of Your Extended Absence

    If you must be absent from your online class for an extended period of time due to a documentable family or personal emergency (e.g. death in the family, illness, hospitalization) and you would like your instructors to be notified, complete the Request For Extended Absence Notification, and attach documentation of the circumstance. You may also email documentation to Rachel Boldman, Director of Crisis Intervention and Prevention Services at rboldman@mchenry.edu. The notification does not guarantee that the absence is “excused;” each faculty member may work with students in accordance with their attendance policy. You should also contact your instructors individually to let them know your specific needs.

  • Request Financial Hardship Assistance
    If you're experiencing financial hardships as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), including loss of hours at work, loss of a job, need for technology resources, or other unexpected expense or event (including MCC’s transition to all online learning), the Student Success Fund may be able to help. Email studentsupport@mchenry.edu for further information and to discuss your situation. Each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Report Behavioral Concerns
    If you notice concerning or threatening interactions in your online class, fill out a Behavioral Intervention Team report.
  • Report Sexual Harassment, Assault or Gender-Based Discrimination
    To report an incident of sexual harassment, assault, or other gender-based discrimination, fill out a Title IX Report
  • Begin free online therapy with TalkSpace

    Most of us want to take better care of ourselves — we just don’t know where to start. Talkspace online therapy can help you change the thoughts, habits, and behaviors that are holding you back from feeling your best self.

    What is Talkspace?

    Talkspace is an online therapy service that makes it easy and convenient to connect with a licensed behavioral therapist — from anywhere, at any time. Send unlimited text, video, and audio messages to your therapist via a web browser or the Talkspace mobile app. Your therapist will respond daily, five days per week.

    What’s in it for me?

    Talkspace can help you:

    • Identify and manage your stress triggers — at work, at home, and beyond
    • Set and achieve your goals with the accountability of a dedicated, licensed therapist
    • Overcome thought patterns that are keeping you stuck
    • Implement new self-care routines for improved well-being

    How does Talkspace work?

    First, you’ll indicate your needs and preferences for therapy through our matching questionnaire. Keep in mind that Talkspace is confidential, secure, and private. MCC will not know who uses the service or for what purpose.

    The Talkspace algorithm will suggest three potential therapists based on your preferences. Select your match, and begin therapy the very same day.

    Once matched, you can begin to send unlimited text, audio, and video messages to your therapist, who will check in daily, five days per week. You’ll always connect with the same therapist unless you request to switch.

    Visit www.talkspace.com/mchenrycc and enter your MCC-issued student email address to explore the free mental health services offered to MCC students through TalkSpace.

    Service is available to any students currently enrolled in credit classes and over the age of 18. Students still in high school should see their school counselors/school social workers for a community referral.

  • Get a discount on broadband through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

    The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:

    • Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
    • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

    A household is eligible for the program if one member of the household meets at least one of the following criteria:

    • has an income that is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or the FCC’s Lifeline program;
    • approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program;
    • received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
    • experienced a substantial loss of income through job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020; or
    • meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

    Those eligible can enroll in the program in several different ways. If you don't have access to the internet, sign up through a participating broadband provider or by calling (833) 511-0311 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week to request a mail-in application and more information about the program. If you do have access to the internet, apply online at getemergencybroadband.org. Additional information about the EBB is also available at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit. Awareness materials will be shared with community organizations that serve individuals and families who qualify for the program.