Without health insurance and a large income, it has become virtually impossible for students to receive professional psychological help without utilizing the free personal counseling and sessions with a licensed psychologist available on campus.
The counseling staff is prepared to deal with a multitude of personal concerns such as depression and anxiety to substance abuse and crisis intervention and also emphasizes how “no problem is too small to be ignored.”
Personal counseling at Pierce is divided between the services of Dr. Deborah Barber, licensed psychologist, at the Student Health Center and between the four highly trained personal counselors in the Counseling and Special Services Center.
Although it is normal for students to experience a fair share of personal strife during the course of a school year, it is when the problems begin to interfere with that student’s ability to regularly attend and focus on school that Leslee Cook recommends counseling, without hesitation.
“For some reason there is a stigma toward those who seek help,” said Cook, who has been a counselor on campus for 29 years and works at the Special Services Center. “Everyone goes through problems and (personal counseling) is a wonderful and free resource available to all students.”
The Student Health Center was created 10 years ago by Beth Benne, who now serves as its director. Benne found that professional help at a low cost was “non-existent” and sought to provide students with access to a psychologist and mental health specialist at no additional cost once the health fee is paid during registration.
If a student decides to receive counseling, the counseling staff will provide up to eight 45-minute confidential sessions per semester. However, how frequently a student would like to visit a counselor is ultimately up to him or her.
If a student would like to continue with more sessions or seek medication, an approved psychiatrist will be recommended and students.
“The student comes in, I close the door and the rest is between me and them,” said Manuel Flores, personal counselor at the Counseling Center. “Many times, students do not know where they are going both in school and in life and without getting proper counseling, it may end up costing them.”
The impact of personal counseling has been profound on many students.
“I had a friend who saw a personal counselor on campus and it really helped her,” said Amanda Kent, a sophomore nursing major. “She was able to take more time off of work and spend more time on homework because of her counselor’s advice.”
Personal counseling is available Monday through Friday on campus through Flores, Sheldon Roth and Eileen Sheff at the Counseling Center and through Cook at the Special Services Office.
Dr. Barber is available on campus Mondays and Thursdays by appointment only. Appointments can be made through the Student Health Center at (818) 710-4270 and through the Counseling Center at (818) 719-6440.
The Student Health Center is located inside of the Campus Center near the Cafeteria and the Counselor’s Office can be found across from the bookstore.