A Conversation with the Counseling Center


Q: What are some of the reasons why students seek help at the Counseling Center? 
A: College provides students with many opportunities to develop academic and career interests, form close relationships, examine values and beliefs, and learn about the world. These opportunities can often feel exciting, but they can also be stressful. Problems with sleeping, anxiety about tests, concerns about the future, difficulties with friends and family, and spiritual conflicts are common concerns of Yeshiva University college students. Above all, the Counseling Center wants to help students learn ways to achieve positive mental health so that they can make the most out of their YU experience. 

Q: Do I need to be suffering from a diagnosed mental illness to go to the counseling center? 
A: No. The Counseling Center encourages anyone who is struggling in any way, at any level, to contact us for an appointment. There is no problem too big or small. 

Q: Why is therapy important for college students?
A: Nationally, anxiety and depression are rising among young adults. Not surprisingly, we see this at the Counseling Center to some degree as well. While it is impossible to say for certain, we believe that the increase we see is partly due to greater awareness among students and faculty of mental health warning signs to look out for, as well as greater acceptance of reaching out for help. It is also true that the demands placed upon young adults today are significant, leading some to experience anxiety and mood disturbances that warrant professional help. 

Q: Can the Counseling Center prescribe medication?
A: Yes. The Counseling Center, at Wilf and Beren, employ experienced psychiatrists who can prescribe appropriate medications at his/her discretion. 

Q: What is the most misinformed myth about therapy that you’ve seen on college campuses? 
A: A pervasive myth about therapy is the notion that seeking professional help somehow indicates a weakness or lacking. Unfortunately, some people view having emotional or cognitive concerns as some kind of character flaw, and therefore think that going to therapy is something to be embarrassed of. In reality, the opposite is true. Seeking help for your problems means you are being proactive, and is a sign of courage. Many people from all walks of life benefit by discussing their concerns with a therapist and creating a plan of action to work on effective strategies for dealing with them. 

Q: What if I feel like the counselor assigned to me is not a good fit? 
A: If for any reason you don’t feel that there is a good fit between you and your counselor, we are happy to arrange for you to meet with another counselor at the Center or to provide referrals to mental health professionals in the NYC area. You may speak directly with your counselor regarding this, or you may inform the Counseling Center director that you would like to explore other options at the Counseling Center. 

Q: What can students do to destigmatize mental illness on campus? 

A: Strides have been made to destigmatize mental health, specifically on college campuses. Most people are now thankfully aware that mental health issues are not uncommon. We find that students who are comfortable talking openly to their peers about their experiences at the Counseling Center help destigmatize coming to the Counseling Center and reaching out for help in general. 

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