Counseling Center offers many resources for students

By: Megan Henderson

Posted: 9/4/07

After the shooting at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech.), many colleges across the country reevaluated their resources for awareness and ability to reach troubled students. The Counseling Center at UMKC is no different.

Marita Barkis, director of the Counseling Center, said UMKC has taken various measures to raise awareness among students and faculty. The Counseling Center's Web site has a brochure for faculty and staff that educates them on recognizing signs of a problem and detailing the appropriate actions to take.

Barkis said across all University of Missouri campuses, there is a campaign to teach students to help each other and be more alert to problems.

Students should watch for radically changing behavior in their friends or peers, Barkis said. She also stressed the importance of telling someone else about concerns and not trying to handle it alone.

"Talk to the friend, suggest they need counseling," she said. "Don't be afraid to ask."

Two years ago, 1,000 UMKC students took surveys about suicidal thoughts as part of a national program. According to Barkis, of the students surveyed, those who reported suicidal thoughts also said the person they would most likely talk to was a friend.

"[T]he first line people who need to know what to do are friends," Barkis said.

UMKC also has a case management team to discuss students of concern, made up of police, Residential Life and the Student Health and Wellness Center.

"We already had [this team]," Barkis said. "We are looking at how we can [make] it better."

Among the services offered are individual and couples counseling. These confidential sessions begin with an intake appointment - a 45-minute session with a therapist to discuss initial concerns. Then, based on schedules and types of concerns, the person or couple is assigned a therapist. Students, faculty and staff are allowed eight free sessions. Each additional session is $15.

"Everything is completely confidential, unless there is evidence the person might harm themselves or someone else," Barkis said.

Barkis suggested individual or couples counseling can be approached as a short-term option.

"Counseling isn't always about heavy mental health," she said. "You can get relief or perspective and move on. This helps it not turn into a long-term problem."

Another option is group counseling. These sessions give individuals the opportunity to connect and develop interpersonal skills.

Available this semester is a group called Weight A Minute. This group will focus on supporting and educating those who are trying to live healthier lifestyles. Also new this semester is the Mind-Body Connection. Located in room 161 at the University Center, the program is a collaboration of student health, wellness and counseling services. The Weight A Minute group will also meet here.

The room will have two small, soundproof offices for on-sight counseling. There will be a massage chair and big screen TV showing health and counseling related programming. Students will be able to complete self-screenings regarding depression, bipolar disorder, drinking habits and others. There are plans for an evening activity to educate students on the importance of sleep and activities teaching stress management and relaxation techniques.

"All the pieces are coming together," Barkis said. "We want to have a lot of fun with it."

The grand opening for the Mind-Body Connection is 3-6 p.m. Sept. 18.

Though the Counseling Center is "off the beaten path," Barkis reminded it is there for students.

"It is a confidential place. It's supportive. It's safe to come here," she said. "Counseling is a great way to release your potential. This is the kind of place to spark something and go on."

mhenderson@unews.com

For more information on the Counseling Center:

(816) 235-1635

4825 Troost, suite 206
chtc@umkc.edu

http://www.umkc.edu/chtc/counseling/index.html