Both the University of Wyoming and the City of Laramie have worked to provide free mental health resources available to students. There are many different programs put in place that allow students access to licensed mental health professionals based upon a multitude of needs. These programs are designed to meet students where they are, and utilize tools designed to help students forgo a multitude of problems.
The University Counseling Clinic is available to students and faculty during the academic year. Located in Knight Hall, the counseling clinic creates an environment designed to provide students with licensed professionals that are trained in a multitude of areas. The University Counseling Clinic offers different services such as mental health assessment, single session therapy, crisis intervention, couple counseling, as well as multiple session therapy. “The goal of our clinic is to provide time effective counseling” an anonymous employee for the University Counseling Clinic says. “We want to empower students to reach their full potential”. The clinic is available for any students that have their Consolidated Student Services fee.
The Wellspring Counseling Center serves a similar agenda to the University Counseling Clinic, but works with the community of Laramie as a whole. The organization is accessible to anyone in Laramie looking to receive care for their mental health. The Wellspring Counseling Center is grant funded through the use of the CARES ACT making its use free for the general public. The center provides both multisession therapy as well as a general assessment. They are trained in a variety of areas that meet the needs of students.
The Half Acre Wellness Center also works to provide students with activities designed to improve mental health. In the past Half Acre has introduced “Puppy Play Dates” as well as “Kitty Cuddle Time” where students are able to play with puppies and kittens. Half Acre is also providing a Big Sky Mindfulness Workshop beginning in the middle of September. This workshop was created to assist staff, faculty, and students learn mindfulness and meditation practices. The program involves four 80 minute sessions; different classes are available throughout the fall semester.
The importance of mental health awareness in academia has been on the rise as more individuals are reaching out for assistance. The University of Wyoming and Laramie as a whole have created programs designed to assist students in a large range of concerns. The academic setting can create an environment in which students need assistance, and there are resources available designed specifically to assist.
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