Mental health is something many people avoid talking about. Truth is, college is a weird situation. You are in a new environment with new responsibilities and are surrounded by new people. This can, at times, be overwhelming. When I moved up here, I left my main sources of support at home. I was so used to having people that could talk me through many hardships and was very nervous that I wouldn’t have that accessibility anymore. I did some research and found out that there are so many resources on campus here at Central Washington University, and I thought I should share with you guys!
THE STUDENT MEDICAL AND COUNSELING CLINIC (SMACC)
This one is by far the most well known resource we have on campus. It is a formal setting where you set up an appointment and meets in their office individually, or there are group sessions where you can connect with people who share your experiences. They are located across the parking lot from the SURC and their hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm M-F. To make an appointment, you can either go in-person and schedule with the front desk, or you can call them at (509) 963-1391. After your first appointment, you will be able to schedule appointments online through the patient portal.
They will accept walk-ins for emergency situations. If you are struggling to reach out, here are some self-help resources. If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of any mental health disorder, CWU provides a brief screening tool to help you decipher your feelings.
THE WELLNESS CENTER
The Wellness Center is here to offer resources for students’ physical, social, and mental well being. They provide support for topics such as alcohol/drug use, mental health, nutrition, sexual health, violence prevention, and violence response. They are a great resource for urgent situations, and if it is beyond their abilities, they will set you up with the right resources. They are conveniently located in SURC 139 and are always holding events so people can learn more.
LET’S TALK
Let’s Talk is a cool service the counselors provide on campus. Tuesday-Friday they are located in 4 different locations in order to provide convenient access to the counselors. This program caters to students who feel more comfortable in a less formal setting, or students who have a less flexible schedule. These are available to all students with no appointment necessary. Here is their fall quarter schedule:
Tuesday – 12:00pm-2:00pm Nicholson Pavilion 101
Wednesday – 1:14pm-2:45pm Library 355A
Thursday- 2:00pm-4:00pm Diversity and Equity Center Black Hall 101
Friday- 1:00pm-3:00pm Music 105
Also Always remember:
If it is a life-threatening emergency call 911
Text crisis line: text “HOME” to 741741
Text crisis line: text “STEVE” to 741741 (staffed by volunteers specifically trained to be sensitive to students of color and their unique concerns)
Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 (LGBTQ+ crisis line)
Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255(TALK)
En Espanol: 888-628-9454
Remember you are not alone, and there is always someone who can help you, or help you find thee resources you need. Be brave and ask for help.