Help for College Students

A recent article in the La Crosse Tribune mentioned some of the challenges facing college students today.

Students.... show up with bipolar disorder, major depression, evidence of self-harm, officials said. "Not a day goes by in my office when one of my staff is not talking about someone with severe mental health issues," said Jon Hageseth, director of counseling and testing at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

He compares his office today to an outpatient mental health clinic.

It's a trend experts said that has been seen... nationwide -- and it has forced colleges and universities to evaluate whether they have the means to meet these more severe psychological problems.

The 2007 National Survey of Counseling Center Directors found 92 percent reported greater numbers of college students with major mental health problems.

But we have some very good counseling services on campus here in Utah Valley.

The BYU Counseling and Career Center (where I completed my predoctoral internship in psychology) offers free personal counseling for full-time students; a variety of stress management services; academic advisement including choosing a major and improving study skills; and help in pursuing a career all the way up to finding a job.

Utah Valley University has a Career and Academic Counseling Center, and also offers psychotherapy through Student Health Services. Click on the Mental Health Therapy tab for a list of specific services.

Another resource for the community (including for part-time students who may not qualify for services at the university counseling centers) is the BYU Comprehensive Clinic. As described on their web site:

Individuals or families desiring services are generally seen or evaluated by a graduate student or students under the supervision of experienced faculty. The CC provides evaluations, psychotherapy, counseling, and educational services through its Mental Health Clinic.

I also worked here for a time during my training. The level of care is superior, given the close supervision of providers, and the cost is minimal--currently $15 per session--and fees may be reduced based on financial need.