Buzz
Your college counseling center is an invaluable resource—but only if you take advantage of it. While some institutions actively promote their centers and highlight their services, others may not, leading to misunderstandings. At larger universities, you might not even be aware such a resource exists. Don’t let this opportunity go to waste. Here’s what you can gain from utilizing your counseling center.
What services do college counseling centers provide?
Mental health services on campus are essential: Whether you’re a freshman adjusting to life away from home and the pressures of independence or a graduate student balancing adulthood and academics, everyone can benefit from professional support. Extensive research has focused on the unique mental health challenges students face, and for good reason. Academics are demanding. Early adulthood is challenging. Life itself is overwhelming—and it only grows more complex as you age. Combine this with newfound independence, the allure of social scenes, rigorous coursework, homesickness, the emotional rollercoaster of young love, and more, and it’s easy to see why life can feel chaotic.
Fortunately, campus mental health centers generally offer the following services:
Counseling sessions
Therapeutic support
Educational workshops
Recommendations for treatment
Referrals to specialists
Many students are unaware that they can book appointments with on-campus mental health professionals to address their concerns. These experts are skilled in managing issues unique to students, such as homesickness, depression, family conflicts, substance abuse, career and academic indecision, and social anxiety, according to Best Colleges. Licensed counselors provide insights and support that go beyond what an RA or academic advisor can offer.
Are all services provided free of charge?
With the high costs of education, finances are often tight. The good news is that most campus mental health services are free. For example, my school provides individual and group counseling, wellness workshops, referrals for extended care, and even on-site psychiatric medication management—with only psychiatry services incurring a fee. Many institutions also offer virtual appointments (a service that expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic), making it accessible for remote students or those who prefer not to visit in person.
If you require a referral to an off-campus specialist, be prepared for potential costs. However, on-campus urgent appointments are available, and your school should provide guidelines for accessing help after hours. In most cases, you can utilize free services directly through your institution without needing to seek external resources.
Schedule your first appointment early in the semester to secure a spot before the center gets busy. Establish a regular weekly meeting time with a counselor at the start of the term, even if no major issues have arisen yet. This proactive approach ensures you’re ready to tackle challenges with professional support when they occur.
