Mental health is a struggle for many individuals, especially college students. Whether it be midterms, finals, tests or even just getting assignments turned in on time, students at Wright State University constantly face challenges that could greatly impact their mental health. That is why WSU’s Counseling and Wellness Services exists.
What is CWS?
Counseling and Wellness Services is WSU’s service and office in providing therapy, counseling and psychiatric assistance. They offer a variety of services and resources, including individual counseling, group therapy, crisis and walk-in services and psychiatric services.
All of these services are included in their tuition fee every semester for $20, which covers several sessions. Students can decline the fee, but if they do so they are not losing all CWS access. If they decide they want to use CWS at a later point in the semester, they can pay $20 per session.
So, in the long run, it is cheaper to pay the $20 for the whole semester, and it is a worthy investment.
Sara Baker is the Health and Wellness Program Manager, and stated that in moments of crisis or emergency, CWS will see students if they are in need of assistance. From Monday to Friday, walk-in crisis services are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Any student can walk in for a crisis appointment and we will make sure they get seen,” Baker said.
The Associate Director of Counseling and Wellness, Inna Fatkins, stated how CWS promotes mental health awareness around campus.
"Counseling and Wellness Services at [WSU] promotes mental health awareness through campus-wide outreach, workshops and peer-led programs that reduce stigma and connect students with support. We host events, trainings and awareness campaigns throughout the year to help students build skills and foster a culture of wellness. Our goal is to make mental health resources visible, accessible and part of everyday campus life," Fatkins said.
While Counseling and Wellness works tirelessly to remove the stigma around mental health, there may be some who do not fully utilize their services because of lingering stigma.
Staff Therapist David Toller helps students who might be uncertain or nervous about therapy.
"I start by validating the student’s feelings and provide praise for asking for help. I inform students that this is a sign of strength. I then empower students to ask questions that may make them less nervous about therapy. For those students who are comfortable with dogs, Hazel, my therapy dog, has helped put students at ease, and she’s a great ice breaker," Toller said.
Toller also helps build trust and rapport with students from diverse backgrounds.
"By acknowledging differences and giving students permission to share cultural aspects that are important to them. I think exploration of this is important to build a strong rapport. I also encourage students to share when they may feel misunderstood in therapy," Toller said.
Virtual appointments are also available to students. While virtual sessions are not as common as in-person sessions, all providers, staff and student interns are prepared to do telehealth appointments.
“We have one of our providers who all she does is telehealth appointments,” Baker said.
This program is a special option that allows virtual and telehealth sessions to be used, for those students who need them for any reason.
How popular is CWS?
Last academic year, Counseling and Wellness Services provided support to over 700 students. Not only do they offer support for academic stress, but for personal issues as well. There is usually an increase in demand around midterm and finals time.
Generally, CWS likes students to use around six to eight therapy sessions per semester. However, Counseling and Wellness Services will never cut off a student if they need more sessions.
"We work in something called a brief therapy model, [and] we generally recommend somewhere around six to eight sessions per semester. However, if a student needs more sessions, we are never going to cut a student off and say, 'we cannot see you anymore,'" Baker said.
CWS is also HIPAA compliant, which means they will keep your records private in compliance with federal regulations.
"We are HIPAA compliant. Just like any other provider's office out in the community or medical office, we are in compliance with all of those federal regulations to protect your privacy when it comes to your medical records," Baker said.
If students want to use their services, there are three different options. They can go to the website and schedule an appointment by clicking the appropriate button. The second option is that students can call 937-775-3407. That number is for the front desk and they will schedule an appointment with them. Finally, students can walk into the front desk office if they wish to schedule an appointment in person.
Counseling and Wellness is an important aspect of WSU that students are always encouraged to utilize.
