Service & Leadership

I am committed to supporting mental health awareness, crisis intervention, and community well-being through various service and leadership roles.

Current Service

Crisis Text Line

Crisis Counselor Volunteer | March 2025 - Present

As a trained Crisis Counselor, I provide confidential, text-based emotional support to individuals in crisis 24/7.

Responsibilities:

• Utilize active listening, problem-solving, and communication skills to connect with individuals experiencing crisis situations
• Evaluate suicidal risk through structured conversation and assessment protocols
• Develop individualized safety plans to decrease future crisis risks and promote coping strategies
• Provide empathetic, non-judgmental support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, relationship issues, abuse, self-harm ideation, and other life challenges

Impact: Supporting individuals nationwide through accessible, anonymous crisis intervention services.

Wellness Initiative in Social Ecology (WISE) Peer Advisory Collective

Culture Cluster Member | October 2024 - June 2025

WISE is a peer-led initiative promoting mental health awareness, cultural inclusion, and student wellness in the School of Social Ecology.

Contributions:

Outreach & Communication:

• Drafted weekly newsletters advertising mental health resources, campus activities, and WISE events
• Answered student questions about WISE programs and connected peers to mental health resources
• Prepared agendas, notes, and materials for bi-weekly meetings

Event Planning & Programming:

• Organized events educating students about different cultures and promoting cross-cultural understanding
• Facilitated meditation and mindfulness sessions to help students manage stress and anxiety
• Designed posters and speaker profiles for WISE mental health events

Documentation & Reporting:

• Drafted the annual WISE impact report showcasing the collective’s influence and reach to broader audiences
• Gathered data on program participation and community engagement

Goals: Destigmatize mental health challenges, create inclusive spaces for diverse students, and promote wellness practices in the academic environment.

Past Service

Caring Minds

Peer Crisis Mentor | January 2021 - March 2023

Provided peer-to-peer mental health support through email-based crisis mentorship program.

Responsibilities:

• Connected with clients experiencing life challenges and stressful events through compassionate, written correspondence
• Utilized empathy and unconditional support skills when responding to clients’ concerns
• Provided evidence-based strategies, coping resources, and mental health referrals tailored to each client’s unique situation
• Drafted training manuals and guidelines to support future crisis mentors

Impact: Offered accessible mental health support to students and young adults navigating difficult life transitions and mental health challenges.

Service Philosophy

My service work reflects my research interests in trauma, mental health, and resilience. Through crisis counseling, peer support, and wellness advocacy, I work to bridge the gap between research and community impact. I believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, culturally sensitive mental health support—particularly during moments of crisis.

My training in psychological science and experience conducting research on PTSD, anxiety, and coping informs my approach to crisis intervention and peer support. I am committed to reducing stigma, promoting help-seeking behavior, and supporting individuals through some of their most challenging moments.

For questions about WISE or to learn more about crisis counseling resources, please contact me at yuekunc1@uci.edu.