University resources aid students with mental health issues

(Above) The relaxation rooms provided by Counseling and Psychiatric Services offer a soothing refuge for students who need to unwind and be calm. (Below) The LGBT Resource Center offers a student lounge as a safe space.

By Beth Pollak

Classes. Extracurriculars. Trying to fit in a social life.

All of this can lead to stress, depressions or addictions.

UGA students do not have to look far to find solutions to these or other mental health problems. Many resources exist on campus to help students deal with problems ranging from eating disorders to alcoholism.

The most well-known mental health facility on campus is Counseling and Psychiatric Services. Better known as CAPS, this resource is located in the University Health Center. Open every class day during the semester, CAPS offers consultation, referrals and treatment for a wide variety of issues.

The majority of CAPS patients are young adults, so the staff specializes in helping college students.

“We have a better understanding of developmental tasks and circumstances that are typical for college students,” said Kelly Case-Simonson, a counselor with CAPS. “We work at the University, read The Red and Black every day, and know what’s going on on campus.”

Prospective patients must undergo a phone screening process before being given an appointment time. Most students are able to get an appointment within two weeks based on the urgency and severity of their situation.

The CAPS office also offers a library and relaxation rooms stocked with DVDs and CDs with relaxing sounds and images for patients.

CAPS also has a partnership with the campus Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center, located in Memorial Hall. The two are working together on the “Let’s Talk About It!” series of talks on sexual identity, which are open to all students.

The discussions are held weekly on different nights at 6:30.

“We are trying to, one, create a dialogue on campus and get people talking about it; and, two, reach beyond those who identify as LGBTQ,” said Jennifer Miracle, director of the LGBT Center.

The John Fontaine, Jr, Center for Alcohol Awareness and Education is an on-campus resource for those seeking treatment for alcohol-related problems. Students who call willingly can meet with a counselor from the center at no charge within a week.

“It doesn’t cost money to come talk to someone at the Fontaine Center if they come in voluntarily,” said Mike Friedline, a certified addiction counselor at the Fontaine Center.

The center, housed in the University Health Center, also provides alcohol education and prevention services. Counselors give talks to dormitories, Greek organizations and other groups to promote awareness.

They also provide mandated intervention for those who have been assigned to courses for DUI or underage possession.

“Most people coming in here aren’t alcoholics or addicts. They’re just students who got in trouble with alcohol, like for drinking underage or DUI,” said Friedline.

The Psychology Clinic is an on-campus facility housed in the Psychology building that is open to anyone in the community. Patients range in age from preschoolers to senior citizens, receiving counseling and treatment for everything from marital problems to phobias.

“We treat any disorder that doesn’t need hospitalization,” said Amos Zeichner, director of the Psychology Clinic.

The clinic acts as a training center for clinical psychology graduate students. Fees are assessed based on a sliding scale according to income and family situation. Patients can make an appointment within three weeks of calling.

Whatever the need might be, on-campus counseling and mental health resources are abundant and provide a unique opportunity for personalized treatment geared towards students.

“We have all dedicated ourselves to working with the student population,” said Case-Simonson.

Want help with mental health issues?

Psychology Clinic – (706) 542-1173
John Fontaine Jr Center – (706) 542-8690
CAPS – (706) 542-2273
LGBT Resource Center – (706) 542-4077

— Edited by Lauren Bellamy