Spring Break
Mental Health Services struggles with high demand
Understaffing means long waits
Laurie Wilbur
Issue date: 12/3/08 Section: News
While 41 students may seem small in the context of the number of students seeking services, it does seem to be alleviating some of the demand.
"This coordination is a great example of how UConn is working together to be more responsive," LaPlante said.
In response to the sharp increase in students seeking counseling, LaPlante replied that it seems to be an "ever increasing trend" as society becomes more open and accepting of mental health treatment.
Both she and Schreier could not give a clear reason for the large increase.
"I think it's because the workload over the years has become more and more demanding and students aren't prepared for it the way they should be," said Ralph Merant, a 5th-semester communications major. "High school doesn't really prepare students for what college really does bring."
Still, Schreier insists that the time a student must wait for non-emergent cases is rather typical.
"There isn't any practice that will immediately speak if it's non-emergency," he said.
When students call for care at CMHS, they are immediately scheduled a 15-minute evaluation phone call with a staff therapist, according to the department's Web site. The average wait is around three weeks, however it could take longer.
For students who are not content with this, CMHS provides group therapy. These weekly sessions are open to all and students can show up with no prior appointment or registration. According to the CMHS Web site, groups range from general support to specific support such as STDs and eating disorders.
"This coordination is a great example of how UConn is working together to be more responsive," LaPlante said.
In response to the sharp increase in students seeking counseling, LaPlante replied that it seems to be an "ever increasing trend" as society becomes more open and accepting of mental health treatment.
Both she and Schreier could not give a clear reason for the large increase.
"I think it's because the workload over the years has become more and more demanding and students aren't prepared for it the way they should be," said Ralph Merant, a 5th-semester communications major. "High school doesn't really prepare students for what college really does bring."
Still, Schreier insists that the time a student must wait for non-emergent cases is rather typical.
"There isn't any practice that will immediately speak if it's non-emergency," he said.
When students call for care at CMHS, they are immediately scheduled a 15-minute evaluation phone call with a staff therapist, according to the department's Web site. The average wait is around three weeks, however it could take longer.
For students who are not content with this, CMHS provides group therapy. These weekly sessions are open to all and students can show up with no prior appointment or registration. According to the CMHS Web site, groups range from general support to specific support such as STDs and eating disorders.
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