Experience Wellness - Spartanburg Methodist College

We know both mental and physical health matter to experience true Wellness.

Accessibility Resources

Spartanburg Methodist College is committed to ensuring equal access for persons with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended (ADAAA).

Disability Definition

The term “disability” means, with respect to an individual:
(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual;
(B) a record of such an impairment; or
(C) being regarded as having such an impairment (as described in paragraph (3)).

What are "Major Life Activities"?

In general, major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working to include the operation of major bodily functions. Major bodily functions includes but is not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.

How do I apply for academic accommodations at SMC?

Complete the Intake Form
Provide documentation of your disability; guidelines for documenting various disabilities may be found below:
AR staff will review the intake form and documentation and contact the student to arrange an intake interview to collaboratively determine which accommodations the student may need to have equal access to the college’s academics, programs, and services.

Questions? Contact:

Gina ParrisDirector of Accessibility Services 864.587.4272
ParrisG@smcsc.edu
Walker, Office 109

Other Student Resources

ReadSpeaker allows you to listen to any text content or online document, providing a fully enhanced learning experience. ReadSpeaker is fully integrated with D2L Brightspace. Features of ReadSpeaker include:

Document Reading: Listen to any online document
Web Reading: Copy text from anywhere on the web and paste it in the TextAid window to listen
Text Selection: Select any part of the text and listen to only that section
Text Highlighting: Have the text highlighted as it is being read and choose the colors used for highlighting
Text Settings: Customize the text display and formatting for more comfortable reading. Choose the text color, size, and typeface
Screen-masking: Focus on a part of the screen for easier reading

To get started with ReadSpeaker, first, learn why you should use ReadSpeaker and download the informational poster. If you'd like a full orientation to the suite of tools, take the ReadSpeaker Orientation Course.

Learn more about ReadSpeaker webReader (look for the Listen button around Brightspace)
Learn more about ReadSpeaker docReader (look for the docReader button under documents around Brightspace)
Learn more about ReadSpeaker TextAid (activate your account by clicking ReadSpeaker TextAid from the homepage of Brightspace then use this tool to read websites and more)

Faculty Resources

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS:

Students who are registered with Accessibility Resources and have testing accommodations for a disability are welcome to take tests in the Accessibility Resources testing areas.

Requests to take tests in AR must be received from the student at least 2 business days prior to the test.
The student must also ask the professor about taking the test in AR.
Students must leave all items that will not be needed in the testing room with Accessibility Resources staff. This includes, but is not limited to, book bags, laptops, cell phones, books, notebooks, etc.
The student must take the test at the same time as the class is testing. If doing so would pose a problem because the student has a class right after the class in which a test is being given, arrangements may be made to start the test early or take it later the same day. STUDENTS MAY NOT START A TEST, LEAVE FOR CLASS, AND THEN RETURN LATER IN THE DAY TO COMPLETE THE TEST.
Students should start the test at the scheduled time; taking the test later than the scheduled time in order to study some more is not equal access.

To request to take a test in Accessibility Resources, please complete this test request form.

Other ACCOMMODATIONS:

Students may request a Service or Assistance Animal as an accommodation for a disability through Student Accessibility Resources. Please see the Service and Assistance Animal Policy for SMC. Below is the process to request to have an assistance animal in campus housing or to register to have a service animal on campus.

STEP ONE: Complete the Assistance / Emotional Support Animal Verification Form (Printable)

STEP TWO: Complete Service & Assistance Animal/Emotional Support Animal Registration Form AND Assistance / Emotional Support Animal Consent & Release Form

COUNSELING SERVICES

We offer short-term, goal focused counseling to currently enrolled students. The first step is to call or email (See Ronnie'Contact Info) the office to schedule an initial consultation. During that meeting, you and the counselor will discuss specific goals, frequency of sessions and the likely length of treatment taking into account your presenting concerns. If you and the counselor decide that ongoing individual personal counseling is the best course to address your concerns, a future appointment will be scheduled.

Our services are short-term in nature.

Many students only need 2-3 sessions to talk about something specific, while others need more. Students are typically seen biweekly or monthly. Positive outcomes in counseling are often dependent upon the work a student does in between sessions. We encourage our students to practice the skills that are learned and discussed in counseling during the time in between sessions.

Common presenting concerns include:

Depression

Relationship difficulties/ Unhealthy relationships

Major/career decision-making difficulties

Low self-confidence

Concerns related to sexual orientation and identity

Excessive concern with eating or body image

Life-college balance

Grief and loss

Relational violence and/or sexual assault

Hopelessness or suicidal thoughts

Alcohol behavior patterns

Substance Use behavior patterns

Conflict / anger management

Emotional turmoil

Stress and anxiety

Counseling Services offers students private and confidential support through:

>INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

To help students deal with an array of personal and interpersonal issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief and relationship issues.

>CRISIS INTERVENTION

To offer students with urgent emotional distress immediate assistance.

>PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES

To support students who may benefit from medication management

Frequently Asked Questions

Counseling and Health services are private and confidential. Confidentiality means staff members cannot speak with anyone else about the meeting unless the client gives permission. We are required to take reasonable action if a client appears to be a threat or danger to self/others.

The office functions similar to a doctor’s office. If waiting for an appointment, students may be seated in the reception area. Out of respect for one another’s privacy, there is an expectation that individuals in the waiting area will not disclose information about others.

The Counseling Center also functions as a training site for counseling interns in graduate school. Interns are involved in weekly supervision with the Director to ensure services provided are within the scope of their training and expertise.

Psychiatric Services are available on campus one Monday of the month. You will need to schedule an initial appointment through counseling services (see above) to have medication prescribed. It is also required that each student see an on-campus counselor at least two times a semester (unless more sessions are clinically indicated) to received psychiatric services.
Controlled substances will not be available, so if you have been prescribed any controlled substances in the past you will need to continue to get those from the original prescribing doctor.

CRISIS SERVICES

Students who are experiencing a psychological or emotional crisis often need immediate help and intervention. Some examples of serious crises include suicidal or homicidal thoughts or impulses; sexual or physical assault; hearing voices or otherwise misperceiving reality; or overwhelming loss, such as a death in the family.
If you are afraid you will not be able to avoid hurting yourself or someone else, get help immediately. We reserve the right to contact law enforcement or EMS to transport the student for further evaluation.
During Office Hours

Call Counseling Services at 864-587-4356, and make it clear you are in crisis. Students will be seen as soon as possible.
After Hours:

Call Campus Safety 864-587-4003
Go to the Spartanburg Regional Hospital Emergency Department
Call or Text 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline or chat 988lifeline.org

After Hours Emergency?

Call Campus Safety 864.587.4003 >

Questions? Contact:

Ronnie McCarrellDirector of Counseling Services
864.587.4356
McCarrellR@smcsc.edu
Willard, Office 144 | SMCX Wellness

Counseling HoursMon-Thu: 9am - 4pm
Fri: 9am - 12pm

COUNSELING SERVICES MISSION STATEMENTIn collaboration with the SMCX team, Counseling Services are available to all SMC students. Professional staff can assist students with their personal and interpersonal growth, with the goal of helping them become successful academically, socially, spiritually, and psychologically. While the college promotes a student-centered atmosphere in the Christian tradition, the Counseling Services staff respects the values of all clients.

All services are confidential and free of charge. Should additional help be needed, referrals may be made to medical professionals beyond the campus community.

CRISIS RESOURCES:

Spartanburg Regional Hospital Emergency Department (864-560-6000 or 911)
Located on 101 E. Wood St., the Emergency Department can provide immediate care for severe crises such as drug or alcohol overdoses or serious suicidal thoughts. Students may call 864-503-7777 for ambulance service to the hospital. (There is a fee.)

Carolina Center for Behavioral Health (800-866-4673)
CCBH is a private psychiatric hospital in Spartanburg.

Domestic Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Services:

Safe Homes/Rape Crisis Center (800-273-5066)
The center, located at 235 Union St., is the local rape crisis and domestic violence center. Trained volunteers provide crisis intervention for victims of rape and relationship violence on their 24-hour hotline. They operate a shelter for women who are currently in abusive relationships and need safe housing temporarily.

Safe Harbor (800-291-2139)
The center provides safe shelter, counseling, advocacy, and other services for victims of domestic violence and their children, and domestic violence prevention and education for the entire Upstate community. They operate a domestic violence crisis line and two secure safe homes, serving Greenville, Pickens, Oconee and Anderson counties.

DIGITAL RESOURCES:

SAM might be perfect for you if you’re interested in self-help, but meditation isn’t your thing. Users are prompted to build their own 24-hour anxiety toolkit that allows you to track anxious thoughts and behavior over time and learn 25 different self-help techniques. You can also use SAM’s “Social Cloud” feature to confidentially connect with other users in an online community for additional support. (Free)

Panic Relief is designed by a Danish psychiatrist and specialist in cognitive therapy to help in the midst of high anxiety or a panic attack. Through short animations, the app guides you through the sensations that accompany panic and helps you to stay calm during an attack. The app offers various resources to help you to understand what is happening in your body during a panic attack as well as activities—like breathing and relaxation exercises, as well as positive visualization—to help you to soothe and calm yourself, and in some cases, stave off some symptoms. (Free)

HEALTH SERVICES

ACADEMICLIVECARE - Telehealth Services & MORE!

We are excited to share our services are expanding for the Wellness Center! While you can still visit the Wellness Center in Suite 14 of Willard Hall for the Relaxation Room, Plant Library, and In-Person Counseling, you can NOW access FREE Telehealth services via "AcademicLiveCare" 24/7!

Telehealth is commonly used for:
• coughs & colds • sinus infections • allergies • bronchitis • headaches • anxiety & depression • strep throat • therapy & counseling • general wellness • insomnia

Click on the MySMC "AcademicLiveCare" card to sign up/log in.

Go to mySMC >

IMMUNIZATIONS

Immunization documentation must be signed or stamped by a physician or health care provider, or a copy of your immunization certification will be accepted. Check out the latest letter for New Students!

Immunization records must have the following information included:

Student’s legal Name
Date of Birth
Vaccine(s) Name and Date Vaccination(s) was given
Address of provider
Printed name and Signature of provider

Students will submit their completed Health form and required immunization documentation on their SMC applications portal. If you need additional information about Spartanburg Methodist College immunization policy, contact Health & Wellness Services at wellnessgroup@smcsc.edu

Visit Your Application Portal >

Questions? Contact

Dr. Mindy BlissAssistant Dean & Director
of Campus Health & Wellness
864.590.6595 | BlissM@smcsc.edu
Willard, Office 144 | SMCX Wellness

Where To Receive Immunizations:

Your private physician
Local Departments of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)

Where To Locate Immunization Records:

Your private physician
Local medical centers
Local health departments
Local pharmacies

Required Immunizations:

SMC requires the following immunizations for student who participate in any in-person class, living in on-campus housing and/or participating in any in-person extracurricular activity. The Immunizations form and supporting immunization documentation must be submitted PRIOR to students arriving on campus. Please take time to review the information about the required immunizations. *If you have a medical or religious exemption, you will submit documentation on the same form.

(Acceptable are versions Menactra & Menveo (MenACWY), MCV4, MPSV4) - Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the brain.  Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Meningitis has 2 to 3 doses in vaccine series with the last dose give within the past five years of entering SMC. Typically, the first dose is given when an individual is 11–12-year-olds with meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4, Menactra, Menveo). A booster dose should be given at or after the age of 16 years old. For adolescents who receive the first dose at age 13 through 15 years, a one-time booster dose should be administered, preferably at age 16 through 18 years, before the peak in increased risk. Adolescents who receive their first dose of MCV4 at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose. The Quadrivalent Vaccine (for Meningitis A,C,W,Y) is required for students at Spartanburg Methodist College who live in campus housing, administered at or after the age of 16. View CDC Info

Highly Recommended Immunizations:

SMC also encourages students and families to review and consider the following immunizations that are highly recommended for students entering college.

A serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver.  The virus, which is called Hepatitis B virus, can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.  Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable illness. strongly recommend Hepatitis B Vaccine for all students prior to college entry, especially those planning to enter health professions. The Hepatitis B vaccines consist of a series of three vaccines given at intervals of 0 – 1 – 6 months. View CDC Info

A new strain of coronavirus that can cause an outbreak of respiratory illness. It has an incubation range from 2 to 14 days. COVID-19 is spread through droplets and virus particles released into the air when an infected person breathes, talks, laughs, sings, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Three vaccines and boosters are available for COVID-19 at this time. They are Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) (mRNA) – 2 dose 21 days apart with a booster after 6 months for high-risk groups is FDA-authorized and marketed as COMIRNATY. Moderna (mRNA-1273) 2 doses 28 days apart and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (JNJ-78436735) 1 dose. View CDC Info

A liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A can affect anyone.  In the United States, Hepatitis A can occur in situations ranging from isolated cases of disease to widespread epidemics.  Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can help prevent Hepatitis A.  Students planning international travel and those with other risk factors should consider getting this vaccine. View CDC Info

Looking for More Information?

Email Dean of Students >

864.699.4632 | The X, Office 245
Burgess Student Center

Allen LollisDean of Students

>INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

>CRISIS INTERVENTION

>PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES

Frequently Asked Questions

CRISIS SERVICES

What's Next?