CAPS Statement on Recent Racialized Incidents

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Stony Brook University offers its support and solidarity with our students of color at this difficult and heartbreaking time as we bear witness to the persistent and pervasive injustice toward Black lives. We see the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black people, the racialized violence against their communities, and the increasingly militarized response to peaceful protest. We are sickened by the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the countless other deaths that have occurred in this unjust and inequitable system.

We are also aware that these racialized incidents against Black lives occur within the context of a global pandemic in which Asians and Asian Americans are facing increased incidents of hostility. We offer our support and solidarity with our Asian and Asian American students at this time of increased xenophobia and anti-Asian racism and bias. 

As mental health providers, we acknowledge the significant impact of our racist culture on the emotional and physical health of Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC). We see the higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide as a consequence of racialized trauma. We see the additional burdens carried by BIPOC and the many barriers they must overcome. We are committed to affirming and providing care for our students who have been directly or vicariously impacted by trauma caused by racism, bigotry, prejudice and indifference. We believe that it is not enough to be “not racist” if you are white-privileged, and at CAPS we are committed to actively doing the anti-racist work necessary to counter systemic racism and meet the needs of all of our students.

We want you to know that we are available as a resource for you. At this time, all of our services are through telehealth. To reach out to a counselor at CAPS, please call us at 631-632-6720, and we will get you connected to a counselor. Whether you choose to reach out to us now or in future, we encourage you to find safe people and spaces to identify and process the range of emotions that you may be feeling at this time. 

We also want to share a Black Lives Matter Meditation for Healing Racial Trauma created by a Counseling Psychologist, Dr. Candice Hargons, if this would be helpful to you at this devastating time.