Addiction can be a tough issue to tackle, but the NC State Counseling Center is working toward improving programs that help students recover.
Macdara O’Sullivan, the substance abuse coordinator at the Counseling Center, was hired just over a year ago to help coordinate a team of nine counselors providing group and individual treatment to students on campus.
“The strength of the Counseling Center is that it has expanded and grown really fast,” O’Sullivan said. “What I mean by that is that there is a lot of outreach done to try and make the Counseling Center more accessible to people and trying to target those areas, be it particular schools or residences or wherever that we see a higher need.”
The Counseling Center has started several new groups for students to get help, including the harm reduction group and the relapse prevention group. Group sessions allow students to build helpful relationships and find community with their peers, not just a counselor.
Students are not forced into any treatment in which they do not wish to participate and may come in for an assessment without committing to treatment.
Even with all the resources available at the Counseling Center, not all students in need seek help, according to O’Sullivan.
“I think initially the hardest part is just being able to come in,” O’Sullivan said. “Everybody is different, but for some people it is extremely challenging to own that they need counseling.”
For those who want help but are not ready to come to the Counseling Center, they are free to simply call. By doing this, they can get more information regarding the services without giving out their name or any other personal information. Also, should a student need immediate help outside of normal business hours, there is always a counselor available on call.
With all the improvements that have been made in the past year, the Counseling Center still recognizes areas that it needs to improve, most notably its presence on campus. While many new services are offered, not all students are aware of the changes that have been made.
“I believe NC State’s Counseling Center should extend their walk-in services,” said Sarena Taylor, a senior studying psychology. “Sometimes people may need a quick pick-me-up or like quick advice on an issue before their scheduled appointment. Also, it would be helpful if there were more group sessions for people to choose from. Also, the Counseling Center must continue to address this stigma and maybe more people will become aware of the benefits of counseling.”
To schedule an appointment or learn more about the services offered, students may call the Counseling Center at 919-515-2423.