Mental health resources available to witnesses of UVU shooting, others experiencing distress

OREM, Utah (ABC4) — The fatal shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University created turmoil across the nation, but officials are reminding the public of mental health resources available to those affected by the traumatic event.

Utah Valley University (UVU) released a statement on Wednesday, September 10, with the headline ‘Supporting One Another: Mental Health Resources at UVU.’

The university expressed sympathies and recognized the impact this event had on students, faculty, and staff.

“Let us continue to foster a culture focused on care, courage, and connection. We are grateful for your strength and resilience as we navigate this difficult time together,” UVU stated.

They provided the following resources for students, faculty, and staff:

For Students:

• 988 Crisis Lifeline has a team of trained crisis counselors who are available. Anyone can call or text for any reason.
• TimelyCare provides mental health and well-being support. Email deanofstudents@uvu.edu to receive a license for TimelyCare.
• SafeUT https://safeut.org allows you to chat with a licensed counselor for support or submit a tip.
• If you are having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911.

For Faculty & Staff:

We want to remind you that confidential resources are available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provided by ComPsych. The EAP offers counseling, guidance, and support 24/7 for employees and their families. Whether you need someone to talk to, help manage stress, or discuss strategies for supporting loved ones, these services are here for you.

You can reach the EAP by calling 800-922-2687 or visiting guidanceresources.com, or by downloading the GuidanceNow app. If requested, use code EAPU. All services are confidential and at no cost to you.

For anyone experiencing emotional distress, the Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH), at 1-800-985-5990, is also available to provide resources. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a statement confirming that immediate counseling is available through that helpline.

SAMHSA listed some of the resources available through their trained counselors:

• Crisis counseling for people in emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster
• Information on how to recognize distress and its effects on individuals and families
• Referrals to local crisis call centers for additional follow-up care and support
• Healthy coping tips

In addition to these resources, a variety of counseling services in Utah are offering free services to those who were in attendance during the Charlie Kirk event. CEO of Tangible Therapy in Orem, Brady Clegg, represents a variety of therapy practice owners throughout Utah County, including Cascade Counseling, Wellspring Healing and Therapy, Life Empowered Therapy, and Cameron Armstrong, LCSW.

“In order to create convenience, we will have all that wish to schedule call our Tangible Therapy line and we will connect them with therapists across the collective. Our number is 435-282-8086 and our website is tangiblementalhealth.com,” Clegg said.

If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress following this or another traumatic event, officials are encouraging you to take advantage of these resources.