Baylor Counseling Center Always at the Ready

(To access Baylor's response to the Virginia Tech tragedy, including links to University services, statements and news releases, and local and state news stories, go to: Baylor Responds To The Tragedy At Virginia Tech.)

by Paige Patton, communications specialist, (254) 710-3321
In light of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, the Baylor University Counseling Center is available for students who wish to speak to a trained counselor. The Counseling Center provides a variety of mental health services to interested students and also makes special arrangements for counseling during crisis times.
The Counseling Center employs five full-time staff members, a psychiatrist, dietician and three graduate students. They are in the process of adding two additional positions to the staff as well.

"We are set up and ready for anyone who might need our services," said Dr. Jim Marsh, director of counseling services. "Students can set up an appointment to meet with a counselor, but the most important thing to do is just call," he said.

The Counseling Center typically offers individual, group and couples counseling about topics such as depression, anger, stress, relationship issues, grief, drugs and alcohol. The Center will make extra accommodations for any student dealing with emotions of stress, grief or fear related to the events at Virginia Tech.

"April and November are our peak times at the Counseling Center, so even without a tragedy, we stay busy, but we always bring in some part-time staff during this time of year to help meet the needs of the students," Marsh said.

With some other changes to increase efficiency, Marsh said they have the fewest amount of people on a waiting list than ever before. "However, we will make time for any student who has a sense of urgency to meet with a counselor," he said.

Staff from the Counseling Center will have a table set up at Thursday's Diadeloso events and will be passing out fliers about dealing with traumatic stress. Students can also visit www.baylor.edu/counseling_center for a detailed list of services offered, as well as a special section on traumatic stress. The Counseling Center is located on the second floor of the McLane Student Life Center and may be reached at (254) 710-2467.