If you are a Temple Student struggling with an eating disorder, a dysfunctional relationship, school stress, trauma, anger management issues, depression, roommate conflicts, or anything that affects your psychological capabilities to handle college life, there is help to be gotten. Tuttleman Counseling Services is an on-campus facility existing to better the psychological well being of every Temple student. Temple University has recognized the significant impact that transitioning into college has on many of its students.
The American Psychiatric Association says depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders are common and serious problems on college campuses. In 2011, an American College Health Association Survey found that more than 1/3 of college students felt “so depressed within the last 12 months that it was difficult to function and over half felt overwhelming anxiety” (American Psychiatric Association). What is even more concerning are the outcomes these problems sometimes unfortunately lead to. Suicide is a leading cause of death among college and university students in the United States, according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Many students with depression or anxiety drop out of college, unable to handle the stress.
Issues from minor roommate conflicts to severe, diagnosed depression can inhibit students’ ability to perform well in school. This is why the counseling services offered at Tuttleman should be on every student’s radar! The Tuttleman Counseling Services website lists the variety of problems its counselors can help students address. If there is a problem, Tuttleman can help. They also offer group counseling in addition to individual counseling.
The procedure to get help is to first schedule a brief assessment interview with a Tuttleman counselor. This can be done in person or by calling the office at 215-204-7276.
If the counselor thinks you should benefit from their services, he or she can assign you a therapist and a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication if you require it. For students struggling with an eating disorder, there is a campus nutritionist available through Health Services as well.
If you don’t feel comfortable meeting with a counselor right away, it’s OK! Tuttleman’s office on the fifth floor of 1810 Liacouras Walk offers stacks on stacks of helpful literature you can look through. You can pick up pamphlets explaining eating disorders, various mental illnesses, coming out, and much more. Some of them offer techniques for relaxation and stress management, which include lessons on meditation, physical exercise, deep breathing, and journalism.
Tuttleman offers appointments, walk-in clinic hours, emergency services, referrals, and a trauma response team. For appointments, walk-in clinics, and emergencies, Tuttleman has set office hours, however emergencies can be handled 24/7 at Temple’s Crisis Response Center at 215-707-2577.
Temple University claims that use of the university’s counseling resources improves students’ school retention rates significantly. If you, a friend, or a roommate has a psychological condition, or is just having trouble adjusting to college life, it is always best to confront the situation and seek help. Take advantage of the immense resources Temple has to help its students live happier, healthier, and better lives.