Mackenzie Sheldon | Opinion editor
Do you feel that on-campus counseling isn’t easily available? Eastern Connecticut State Univerisity offers counseling and Psychological Services free of charge to all students. However, the operational hours of these services are extremely limited, making it difficult for students to schedule weekly sessions. Given that classes at Eastern begin as early as 8:00 AM and can extend late into the evening, many students find it difficult to schedule weekly counseling sessions. Most of us have commitments throughout most of the day. Some students have more availability on weekends, but counseling and psychological services are unfortunately closed. Thankfully, they changed the location of CAPS, but more change is needed.
I have witnessed a student call CAPs seeking to start counseling sessions, but their schedule did not align with the hours of operation. It was very frustrating to see this. This student was disappointed and felt like their problems were neglected.
Some Eastern students may not want to have to fit therapy between classes, as it does not allow for proper relaxation after therapy. It is necessary to have a few rest moments to reflect and process what occurred in the session. Opening CAPS on the weekend would mean less stress of balancing classes and therapy on the same day. These hours are not as flexible as they need to be given the intense college student schedule. As students, we have a voice and the power to influence change. If you are not able to get an intake appointment due to a tight college schedule, don’t stop fighting! Counseling and psychological services should be more accessible. If enough students voice their needs for longer hours, someone will listen.
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