August 30, 2010
Morton H. Shaevitz, Ph.D. and Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz
Yes, declaring that every student should make use of college counseling and psychological services may sound like a bit of an over-reach. The truth is, though, that most campus counseling offices offer such an array of informational and preventative services and programs (as well as, professional counseling) that virtually every student will find something of use. For some students, there is a stigma attached with seeking professional help. Nevertheless, many, if not most, college students take advantage of these services during college. It’s a very “normal” thing to do.
Who Provides the Counseling?
College counseling services are called by various names: the Counseling Center, Psychological Services Center, and Counseling and Psych Services. Sometimes they are free- standing and sometimes a part of the Student Health Center. Most counseling centers are staffed by highly trained professionals, including Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Clinical Social Workers. The services are usually free to students and the types of programs that are offered are remarkably diverse.
What Kinds of Services Are There?
The online description of the Counseling and Psychological Services office at Stanford University identifies the following services: crisis counseling, individual counseling, couples counseling, group counseling, medication evaluation and management. In addition, many centers offer access to specialists in such areas as sleep disorders, sexuality and intimacy issues, eating disorders, as well as workshops and programs for shy students, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and others. Counseling centers often help students deal with issues related to stress, anxiety, and depression. On the other hand, many also offer relaxation, self-esteem/confidence, and relationships programs.
How Might You Use the Services?
There isn’t a person alive who doesn’t at some point find him or herself facing a problem or situation that feels daunting. And in college, there are many arenas with which students just don’t know how to deal. Rather than struggling on your own to find a solution, the college counseling center is a place to reach out for help. As a colleague of ours once said, “Sometimes it takes two to see one.”
So, as an incoming freshman, check out what’s available on your campus re counseling services. See what appeals to you and consider getting involved. And if you find that something is troubling you, then deal with it directly with someone who is trained to help you come up with answers. It always pays to find ways of handling issues that seem to be getting in your way. Your campus counseling center is there to help you negotiate challenges that every student faces and emerge stronger, happier, and more energized.
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