Osborn, Debra S., Hayden, Seth C. W., Marks, Laura Reid, Hyatt, Tristen, Saunders, Denise, and Sampson, James P.
The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a world‐wide impact on all areas of individuals' health, including physical, psychological, financial, familial, social, and vocational. In the United States, the unemployment rate rose from 3.5% (5.8 million) to 13.3% (21 million) in May 2020 before dropping to 7.9% in October 2020. Cognitive information processing (CIP)is one career theory that addresses career needs of clients and society. In this article, we examine the impact of COVID‐19 on mental health and wellness, highlight differences for marginalized groups, and demonstrate how CIP theoretical elements may have been impacted by COVID‐19, and provide strategies enhancing client growth in these domains during a time when largescale social and physical distancing is recommended. The CIP‐based differentiated service delivery model is also described as a means for extending and providing access to career services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]