By Amber Castillo 

College students today face significant challenges when it comes to mental health. A recent survey by TimelyMD found that mental health struggles were identified as the top stressors for 50% of college students in 2023. 

These challenges include subway assaults, economic inflation, targeted harassment toward LGBTQ+ youth, and a politically conflicted climate. 

This constant stream of negative events fosters a pervasive sense of insecurity about the future, affecting individuals, their families, friends, and communities. How- ever, nestled within the supportive community of Lehman College, students have access to The Counseling Center, a sanctuary that offers free therapy and fosters student growth and well-being. 

The Counseling Center, located in the Old Gym (OG) Room 114, provides a comprehensive range of 

services to support students' mental health needs. The center is committed to ensuring privacy and confidentiality for students, and its privacy policy strictly prohibits revealing identities or personal experiences. A member of the counsel- ing team highlighted the variety of services offered, stating, "We conduct presentations and group sessions that educate and empower students." 

Individual counseling addresses various challenges affecting academic, personal, and social well- being. Students can seek assistance with transitioning to college life, managing depression and anxiety, coping with stress, and nurturing self-esteem. The center also offers referrals to external resources, such as long-term therapy or medication management, as needed. A member of the counseling team expressed their satisfaction, saying, "The Lehman students are great, it's very rewarding to work in a college at- mosphere." To promote privacy, the Counseling Center has noise- canceling machines outside their offices. The staff also invests in ongoing professional development and training to enhance their clini- cal expertise. The Counseling Center is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

The Counselor Center provides Safe Zone Ally Training to ensure that all campus community members have the knowledge and skills to be effective allies for LGBTQ+ 

students. This training helps participants recognize and challenge dis- crimination and bias and provides support to those in need. Promoting mental health awareness is a priority for the Counseling Center. They host campus-wide events on various topics, including Suicide Awareness, Coming Out Day, Trans Day of Remembrance, Self- Harm Awareness, Eating Disorder Awareness, Mental Health Aware- ness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Day, Soberfest, and Pridefest. The center also offers informative videos and webinars on mental health issues, covering topics like meditation, coping with negative emotions, and psychological barriers to self-care. A dedicated counselor emphasized their commitment to raising mental health awareness across campus, stating, "We do these events that are fun and educational for students. We are committed to raising mental health awareness across campus." 

Lehman's Counseling Center is more than a support system it's a place of hope, fostering student growth and well-being in the heart of the campus community, where a team of amazing individuals helps ensure that every student has a voice. In the words of the director of the Counseling Center: “Counseling Center services support student persistence, retention, and graduation.”