On campus counseling available
Maarit Koivula
Issue date: 10/8/09 Section: News
Mental health experts say the personal counseling program helps students to stay in control of their lives to successfully meet the challenges and demands of their private and college lives.
Kaye Koppe, administrative assistant in the LAC counseling department said the personal counseling program serves students on both campuses, helping students with their personal and academic problems.
"Students come in for many different reasons. Many of them suffer from negative feelings, like stress, anxiety and depression. It is also common to discuss personal relationships, abuse and eating disorders with a counselor," Koppe said.
She also reminded students that counseling sessions are confidential by law and encouraged students to come in and make an appointment for a counselor when the problem is still manageable.
"Personal counseling is a free service for all students. The only requirement is that a person needs to be enrolled in classes for the current semester," Koppe added.
First-year student Phat Nguyen was surprised to hear that the college had a program for students in need of psychological support.
"I did not even know LBCC offers personal counseling. I think it is great for those who need someone to talk to or need a way of releasing stress."
When talking about what he thinks is the most common reason for students to seek psychological help, Nguyen said, "My best guess is depression and some family and friends related issues."
According to the personal counseling Web site, appointments may be scheduled over the phone and in a case of an emergency, urgent issues may be discussed at short sessions on a first-come, first-served basis without an appointment.
Psychologists Dr. Katy Reynolds and Esperanza Maldonado see students by appointment at LAC A163 or calling 938-4559 or GG108 or calling 938-3922.
After office hours, students may call 911 for emergencies or contact Mental Health Urgent Care Center 24 hours a day at 790-1860.
Kaye Koppe, administrative assistant in the LAC counseling department said the personal counseling program serves students on both campuses, helping students with their personal and academic problems.
"Students come in for many different reasons. Many of them suffer from negative feelings, like stress, anxiety and depression. It is also common to discuss personal relationships, abuse and eating disorders with a counselor," Koppe said.
She also reminded students that counseling sessions are confidential by law and encouraged students to come in and make an appointment for a counselor when the problem is still manageable.
"Personal counseling is a free service for all students. The only requirement is that a person needs to be enrolled in classes for the current semester," Koppe added.
First-year student Phat Nguyen was surprised to hear that the college had a program for students in need of psychological support.
"I did not even know LBCC offers personal counseling. I think it is great for those who need someone to talk to or need a way of releasing stress."
When talking about what he thinks is the most common reason for students to seek psychological help, Nguyen said, "My best guess is depression and some family and friends related issues."
According to the personal counseling Web site, appointments may be scheduled over the phone and in a case of an emergency, urgent issues may be discussed at short sessions on a first-come, first-served basis without an appointment.
Psychologists Dr. Katy Reynolds and Esperanza Maldonado see students by appointment at LAC A163 or calling 938-4559 or GG108 or calling 938-3922.
After office hours, students may call 911 for emergencies or contact Mental Health Urgent Care Center 24 hours a day at 790-1860.
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