In Support of Our Iranian Community

The UIC Counseling Center would like to acknowledge the pain, fear, anger and grief that the UIC Iranian and Iranian-American community is experiencing.  On September 16, 2022, Mahsa Amini was killed by the Iranian Morality Police. Following this act of brutality, a series of protests have occurred that have led to the killing of more Iranian people, with violence targeting individuals with marginalized identities, specifically women and ethnic minorities.

We are deeply saddened by the death of Ms. Amini and by those who have since lost their lives in the violent state response to the uprising.  To our students, faculty, and staff of Iranian descent or affiliation, and others with ties to the region, we extend our concern, empathy, and understanding of the many ways in which these events are profoundly disturbing and can impact day-to-day functioning.  As mental health professionals, we understand the mental and emotional impact of violence and oppression. We also recognize that these incidents can activate past traumas related to social, political, or generational oppression.

The UIC Counseling Center is here for our Iranian students and anyone in our community who has been impacted, directly or indirectly, by this or similar oppressions. We offer confidential services to process these events and to get support and cope. If you would like to meet individually with a counselor, you can schedule an Initial Teleconsultation or Single-Session appointment. These services are provided privately and offer spaces to address your concerns and receive treatment recommendations. If you would like to receive support from both peers and a counselor, you can sign up for a Drop-In Space or our Peer Support groups. We also provide case management and community referrals to connect you to relevant resources both within the UIC campus and within the broader community. Please contact the Counseling Center at 312-996-3490 if you have any questions about our services.