Written by: Natalee Langton
Research suggests that more than 50 percent of students experience depressive symptoms shortly after beginning college, according to Dr. Eva M. Thury of Drexel University.
During stressful times at school, many students do not realize that The University of Akron offers free and confidential psychological services to students currently enrolled.
The Counseling Center has a diverse staff of licensed psychologists, doctoral trainees and support groups that can help students stay in school. The Counseling Center offers personal counseling and therapy as well as career counseling, decision making, stress management, relaxation training, low cost individual testing (ADHD, LD) and more.
“I’ve worked here for 32 years, but it [the Counseling Center] was here way before I started,” said Counseling Center secretary Sara. “We’re getting really busy now that it’s getting towards the end of the semester and people are panicking.”
The end of the semester can be the most difficult time for some students, but the Counseling Center provides a quiet and private atmosphere where you can discuss your concerns with a professional.
“I love going. My counselor is Alexis, and she has really helped me open up about something tragic I had to deal with this semester,” one senior said. “As soon as I started going, my problems got easier and easier to handle.”
Students come to the Counseling Center for many different reasons, whether for a personal crisis, concerns about self-esteem, sexuality, ethnicity, alcohol and drugs or relationships. The Counseling Center is a great place to discover your career, social and academic potential.
“People come in with different concerns, but our main concern is to help people stay in school,” said pre-doctoral intern and counselor Alexis.
Students can usually be seen within a few days of contacting the Counseling Center for an intake. During the intake, students will be asked about their background, have their needs assessed and be assigned to a counselor or an off-campus referral.
During fall and spring semesters, the Counseling Center is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the summer.
Call 330-972-7082 or 330-972-7083, or go to Simmons Hall room 306 to make an appointment at the Counseling Center. For more information on The University of Akron’s Counseling Center, visit: http://www.uakron.edu/counseling/.
