With the gloomy weather setting in, many students are more prone to seasonal depression. The Center for Student Health and Counseling is aware that students need someone to talk to, and has made a change in their counseling services in hopes of better meeting the needs of students.
In the past, SHAC has required students to call and make an appointment to visit with a counselor. However, starting at the beginning of winter term, they have revised this requirement and now hold walk-in counseling hours: Monday–Wednesday from 9–11:30 a.m. and 1–3:30 p.m.; Thursday from 1–3:30 p.m.; and Friday from 1–3:30 p.m.
“We knew we needed to make a change,” said Marcy Hunt, the counseling services directer for SHAC. “We’re committed to figure out how we can see students sooner.”
With walk-in hours as opposed to appointments, students are able to meet with a counselor when it is convenient for them.
Still, this may not be convenient for all students since the counseling walk-in hours are only held at SHAC. For this reason, SHAC has continued to hold Let’s Talk—a counseling outreach program around campus—for the past five years.
Let’s Talk was first introduced at Cornell University and was successful in reaching out to students, which is why Portland State adopted this program as well.
Everyday there is a spot, or multiple spots, on campus available for students and faculty to chat with a counselor. SHAC has five full-time counselors who work with Let’s Talk, and each has his/her own building. This allows students to become familiar with one counselor, which can help them feel more comfortable.
Daily meeting locations can be found on the SHAC website, and each building has fliers posted throughout to indicate which room the counselor is in.
“We see Let’s Talk as an opportunity to get out in the community,” Hunt said.
Let’s Talk also gives PSU faculty the chance to ask questions they may have—regarding anything from students’ needs, to questions they may have about SHAC and the programs they offer.
Hunt advises students to use these resources and meet with a counselor because many students do not realize they may have slight depression.
“Know there is someone available,” Hunt said. “Talking with someone can be really helpful.”
As long as a student is taking five or more credits these SHAC services are free and encouraged to be used.
“We’re here to help,” Hunt said.
For more information, visit pdx.edu/shac/