Counseling Center sees a spring of students
Adjusting to school is not always easy for students.
The Counseling Center at Central Michigan University helps them deal with some of the typical struggles, such as homesickness and dealing with roommates.
“(Throughout) the first three-and-a-half to four weeks of this semester, we have seen about 600 (clients),” said Ross Rapaport, director of the Counseling Center.
He said difficult economic times, at home or personally for the student, add to the stress at school. But a student’s adjustment to college is a significant concern the counseling center sees.
Cory Cole, temporary faculty for the Counseling Center, said most of the issues he sees are depression, anxiety and relationship issues.
Cole said treating students depend on what the student brings to the visit. Some are willing to look at their lives and make changes and some students are not there yet.
“Not one size fits all when treating (students),” Cole said. “Every kind of situation has a specific concern.”
While financial concerns might seem relevant at the time, Cole said he has not specifically seen a student for financial stress, but said it is attached to other problems students see him for.
“In the general category of stress, uncertainty about continuing their college career (is a trend over the past years),” Cole said.
Fifty minute sessions
Serena Cram, a Crystal Falls freshman and receptionist for the Counseling Center, said there are 13 counselors available to help students with a variety of issues.
“They are all qualified,” Cram said. “It’s not students talking to students.”
Cram said students can come and talk to the counselors about topics such as personal problems, depression, eating disorders and anxiety. She said last year, the center was booked by the end of the semester.
Counseling sessions are about 50 minutes. Students can call the office to set up appointments, Rapaport said. If it is urgent or needs to be taken care of right away, just let the receptionists know and they can set up an appointment.
Cole said about 26 percent of students across the country are aware of counseling centers and what they have to offer.
“I think we have many students who use the counseling center,” Rapaport said. “But there may be students who may benefit but are unaware (of the counseling center).”
Appointments are free for the students, Cram said, although there may be a charge if additional testing needs to be done.
Rapaport said students can go to the Web site, take the online screening test and bring in the results to the counselors if they choose.
The counseling center is open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in Foust Hall 102.
Students can call 774-3381 to make an appointment.
