University Counseling Center holds Meet and Greet

The University Counseling Center held its annual meet and greet September 7, 2017, from 11am to 3pm.
Present at the meet and greet were Student Affairs Services such as, Career Services, Center for Social Research, Family Services of Baton Rouge, Stop the Violence Against Women, International Services, Intramural Sports and State of Louisiana Veterans Affairs.
Each organization had handouts and trinkets for the students to pick up in passing. There was also a DJ, pizza, drinks and snacks, all free to the students.
Director of the counseling center and Senior Licensed Psychologist, ValaRay Irvin, Ph.D, developed the counseling center in 1998. She is also an alumni of the university. Dr. Irvin explained the importance of a fun, inviting meet and greet saying, “We’re trying to make students more comfortable about meeting us on this level, so that when they need to see us on a different level, it will be easier.”
Counseling services are free to students, both full-time and part-time.
Couples receive free services as well, as long as one of them is a registered student of Southern University.
The Counseling Center offers a wide array of services ranging from stress management, medicine management and relationship issues, to crisis intervention and dealing with the loss of a loved one. On staff are licensed mental health counselors, a part-time licensed psychologist, predoctoral students from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and a psychiatrist.
Students can be tested for ADHD, which is the only service that requires payment. If diagnosed, they will receive help and accommodations from the Disability Coordinator.
Dr. Irvin encourages students to visit the Serenity Room located in the Counseling Center, which can be utilized by both patients and non patients. In the Serenity Room is a massage chair that operates in 15 minute intervals, a waterfall and relaxing music designed to help students unwind and take a breather.
Students seemed interested and open to visiting the Counseling Center the next time they found themselves in need of professional help. Freshman Psychology major from Baton Rouge, Markeith Stepter said, ”I think therapy is great. There’s nothing wrong with seeking help when you can’t figure things out on your own. That’s why the Counseling Center is here.”
Dr Irvin shared the same sentiments describing therapy as “education” and a “personal growth process.”
The Center for Social Research was also promoting education and growth in regards to health. Program Coordinator, Maria Howard is in charge of of the HIV and substance abuse program. She and her colleagues often offer free HIV testing in Higgins Hall.
Howard said, “It is imperative that the community and Southern University students become educated so that they can take care of their sexual health.” The tentative date for the next free HIV testing is September 20th. A food truck will also be available for students after they get tested. Howard says the Center for Social Research “provides prevention, education, and awareness on issues such as HIV and substance abuse.”