Students at BYU-Idaho have an opportunity to receive free counseling at the BYU-Idaho Counseling Center. It is located on the second floor of the Student Health Center.
The most common mental health concern seen among students is anxiety and depression, Lori Miller, counselor at BYU-Idaho Counseling Center said.
There are 17 full-time mental health therapists and some part-time counselors.
If students are interested in going to the counseling center, they can set up a 30-minute consultation. The counselor will set up a plan with the student during their appointment.
“We can be, counseling wise, a really, really good match for students,” Miller said.
However, they’re not the perfect match for everyone, she said. The counseling center can only provide two semesters of counseling during the student’s time at college. If they need more counseling they will be referred to another counselor in the area.
An additional option for students to get help are wellness workshops available in the Hart Building. They offer different themes for students to choose from. http://www.byui.edu/wellness-center. Students can decide with the counselor what resources will be best for their health.
Miller explained that transitions are difficult. Young adults don’t always take into account that college is going to be difficult in terms of homework, leaving family, roommates, budgeting and more. These factors may not result in mental health, but it can contribute to mental health.
“That’s why we’re here, we want to be able to help and resource students with really any concerns mental health wise,” she said. “We are there for people who would just like a little extra support or need some.”
People can take care of mental health by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising and having social connections. These basics things won’t fix everyone’s problems, she said, but it will help prevent things getting out of control.
Miller advises students to reach out if they are struggling.
There are many resources available, such as the Counseling Center http://www.byui.edu/counseling-center/, Dean of Students http://www.byui.edu/dean-of-students/, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-(800)-273-TALK (8255).
Students are doing very well at being open and destigmatizing the concern of mental health, she said. “Hopefully they feel really proud of themselves that [they’re] able to be open and have a conversation about mental health.”