About one year after opening an eastside location, University Counseling Service (UCS) continues to expand its reach on campus to help students seeking different levels of care.
Though the issues students face when adjusting to college life remain relatively consistent from year to year, Barry Schreier, director of UCS, and Jeremy Kinser, staff psychologist, say not all students are seeking a one-size-fits-all approach to care, which has prompted UCS to diversify the services they offer.
“One thing we know is that not everyone necessarily needs ongoing counseling,” says Schreier. “Some students need access to a drop-in appointment for an immediate issue, while others are better served by group counseling or a workshop where they can build skills to manage their depression and anxiety.”
In addition to the traditional counseling services offered at its westside and eastside locations, UCS has had embedded staff therapists in the residence halls since 2016. This fall, those counselors are even more accessible through the new “Let’s Talk, Hawks!” program, which invites students to drop in and discuss mental health topics and counseling resources at residence halls on both sides of the river.
“We have feedback from students that shows if the counselors weren’t available in the residence halls, students would be less likely to seek help, so we know location is key to students viewing our services as accessible and are adjusting accordingly,” says Schreier. “We want to provide fewer barriers to entry, and the more visible we are, the more we lower the stigma of seeking help.”
UCS also increased flexibility for Same-Day Quick Access visits at its eastside location to help meet the needs of students who are available between classes and are seeking same day assistance.
If not in immediate crisis, UCS staff recommend that students consider scheduling a consultation to discuss their needs with a counselor who can present a variety of options. All counseling services are confidential and are without any additional cost.
Resources include:
To take the next step, schedule an initial appointment by calling 319-335-7294. For more information on how to schedule an appointment and verify you are eligible for services, visit https://counseling.uiowa.edu/services/appointments/.
Let’s Talk, Hawks!
Tuesdays (Burge Hall): 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Wednesdays (Mayflower Hall): 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Thursdays (Petersen Hall): 4 to 5 p.m.
Embedded Therapists
University Housing (Catlett Residence Hall, Room 304)
College of Dentistry (Dental Science Building, Room N101-1)
Athletics department (Jacobson Football Operations Building, second floor)
Group Counseling
If you’re interested in joining a group, you’ll need to schedule a group screening appointment. You may be referred to a group-screening appointment during your initial consultation appointment. Call UCS at 319-335-7294 to schedule a screening with the leader of the group you’re interested in.
Register for a Clinical Workshop to build your skills
Clients can be referred to a workshop after completing an initial consultation. Offerings for fall 2018 include: