Student Counseling Services has settled into its new location at 555 Oakview Circle, in a spacious white house behind Kilby School. The new space has a relaxed, private atmosphere in which students can feel right at home and feel like their concerns matter, said Lynn Martin, director of the Counseling Center.

A licensed professional counselor is on duty around the clock to assist students with a variety of things, Martin said..

“A large percent of what we do is therapy with students and events campus-wide on particular topics,” Martin said.

The invitation to stop by is open to any and all students with issues they want to talk out, such as behavioral or mood changes, stress and time management, adjustment to and from college and many other issues relevant to college students.

Students who have been inside the new location said they appreciate the privacy they receive.

UNA senior David Johnson said the new location, since it is more spacious, is better suited for confidentiality.

“I’ve had friends that have gone there to fight depression,” he said. “I think it’s great to have the resource.”

Martin said the Counseling Center is exploring the possibility of setting up topic-based student support groups, with no referral needed.

“We’ve started topic-specific events we plan to expand in the fall,” she said.

The support groups would give students the opportunity to know that there are others who face the same issues they do. Students who participate in the groups can also have the chance to meet new people – even classmates – with whom they can share.

“A lot of people just need someone to talk to,” said UNA senior Laura Lopez. “Sometimes people can’t express themselves in the same way, and counselors are able to help.”

Martin said the officials at the center communicate with students via UNA Portal announcements, UNA email, and their website, www.una.edu/counseling.

The Student Counseling Services Center is open during university hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.