Students seeking counselors should come to 120 Richmond

To the Editor:

First of all, let me express my heartfelt thanks for giving attention to issues related to self-injurious behavior. The article, "When depression really does hurt" was well done. However, at the very end of the article, you suggest that people seek help at Wellness Services, 114 Student Union. Unfortunately, Wellness Education Services does not have mental health counselors. The primary focus of Wellness Education Services is health promotion and prevention of physical and emotional illness. If someone needs mental health care and intervention, they should come to Counseling Services which is staffed by psychologists, social workers, and consulting psychiatrists. We are located in 120 Richmond. If they go to Wellness Education Services, there is likely to be an extra step because the staff there in most cases will refer the student to Counseling Services. The good news is that as the Student Wellness Team (Counseling Services, Health Services, and Wellness Services), these offices work closely together. So no matter what door the student walks through the proper referrals will be made. However, if we can get them through the correct door in the first stop, that's preferable.

Thanks again.