What is the Bear CARE Program?
The Bear CARE Program is SUNY Potsdam's Case Management program. CARE stands for Consultation, Advocacy, Referral, and Education. The Bear CARE Program offers confidential comprehensive support to students who need assistance with difficult or unexpected life events during their time in college.
The mission of the Bear CARE Program is to assist students with navigating and accessing vital on- and off-campus resources in order to optimize their personal and academic success and well-being. The program is a short-term collaborative service that involves identifying areas of need, developing an action plan to address areas of need and connecting with supports and services, both on and off campus, to meet identified needs. The Bear CARE Program can provide educational resources, assist with navigating campus & community supports, make referrals to services on and off campus and provide advocacy support.
Examples of qualifying situations that the Bear CARE Program can assist with include, but are not limited to:
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Campus Reporting Forms (Make a Referral)
The Bear CARE Program is a brief support system, with 2 to 4 meetings and a follow-up as needed, for any enrolled student at SUNY Potsdam. A referral can be made by anyone (faculty, staff, self, another student, family or friends, community providers) by completing the electronic referral. Once an electronic referral is submitted, it will be reviewed and responded to within 1 to 2 business days. At that time, the referred student will be contacted via email indicating that a referral was made on their behalf. The Bear CARE Program is a voluntary service, so students cannot be required to make an appointment. If a student chooses to initiate these case management services, they can expect to meet with the case manager between 2 to 4 times to complete a needs assessment, develop a support plan and collaboratively navigate and connect with needed services and supports. Periodic check-ins throughout the semester may be included as needed. Student involvement is critical to the success of the Bear CARE Program.
Case Workers may, in certain cases, be involved in crisis intervention and management. However, the Bear CARE Program is not intended to be used as a crisis or emergency service. For immediate crisis or emergency situations, such as a threat of harm to self or others, suicidal ideations, acute medical needs, or psychosis, please immediately contact University Police at 315-267-2222 or if off campus, call 911.
The Bear CARE Program assists students transitioning back to campus from any type of inpatient treatment; including psychiatric hospitalizations, inpatient rehabilitation services, inpatient substance use treatment, and medical inpatient treatment. The Clinical Case Manager will meet with the student to discuss what supports and assistance may be needed upon their return. This may include: coordinating communication with professors regarding missed assignments, connecting students with on-campus supports, coordinate with other providers, developing a safety/support plan, making referrals to community resources, and more.
Meet your Case Manager - April Fullerton
"I have over a decade of experience working as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in an array of clinical and educational settings. One of the most prevalent and foundational aspects of my work as a therapist has always been connecting individuals with the supports and services necessary to achieve their fullest potential both personally and in the academic or work settings. Ensuring people’s basic needs are met, linking them with support services, and serving as an advocate for them is essential to building a strong foundation for one’s social, emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.
In my capacity as Clinical Case Manager for the students of SUNY Potsdam, my goal is to work collaboratively with the student to develop a support plan that will address their identified needs. Whether it is addressing food or housing insecurities, assisting with academic concerns or needs, or linking students with supports on or off campus, I am here to help!" ~ April Fullerton
Contact Information
Counseling Center
Van Housen Hall 132
Email: fulleral@potsdam.edu
Phone: (315) 267-2732