For Jewish students attending the University of Kansas, there is mental health support from Jewish Family Services. Carla DeHetre is the new Jewish student therapist at KU.
DeHetre is available to meet with any Jewish student who may be struggling with their mental health, which could interfere with their ability to succeed in daily life.
JFS facilitates the program, saying that college life can be difficult, with balancing class commitments, homework assignments and living on one’s own.
“I hope to normalize the process of accessing mental health services for students and for them to see they do not have to struggle alone," DeHetre said. “I can help students address issues such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship conflict and trauma.”
DeHetre is available to meet with students on Mondays and Wednesdays at her office between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Jewish students interested in meeting with DeHetre should call the JFS navigator line at (913) 730-1433 or email her at C.
“I meet with students individually for brief solution-focused therapy, to help them best help themselves,” DeHetre said. “I am also available to help with general questions related to mental health and to assist with resource acquisition if needed.”
DeHetre has a background in mental health and wellness, having worked in community mental health for more than 20 years. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Loyola University of Chicago as well as a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Kansas. DeHetre is also a licensed specialist clinical social worker (LSCSW) in Kansas. In addition to her work with JFS at KU, DeHetre has a private psychotherapy practice in Lawrence, Kansas, where she works with adults with a focus on anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss and life transitions.
“Carla is excited to begin her new role as the Jewish student therapist at KU,” said Maggie Haghirian, JFS chief program officer. “Carla’s therapeutic style is collaborative, client-centered and strengths-based. No matter the therapeutic model, she strives to tailor the therapy process to meet the individual needs of each client through an empathic and compassionate lens.”
A native Chicagoan, DeHetre now lives in Lawrence with her husband and two cats. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Lawrence, cooking and rooting for her favorite sports teams: the Kansas Jayhawks, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears.
Most of all, DeHetre enjoys the work she does in mental health.
“I love having the ability to combine my love of clinical and community work,” DeHetre said. “I would encourage students to reach out if they are struggling.”
