There has been an increase in student demand over the past five years for Psychological Services, according to Director Belinda Johnson. Johnson largely attributed the increase to greater student awareness of available resources.
About 17 percent of the total student body, 1,460 students, sought help for psychological or emotional issues last year.
This figure is typical of the last five years — between 16 and 18 percent of the student body typically seek help annually, Johnson said. But the stable figures understate demand because the student body grew significantly in that time period.
Visitations were at their lowest in the 2007-08 academic year, when the center saw 16 percent of the population, Johnson said.
Students are allowed seven free consultations, though the average student who visits Psychological Services attends three. It is rare that a student will reach the seven-consultation limit, Johnson said. About 30 percent of the students are referred to an external therapist, either because they want ongoing regular consultation or have exceeded the University's limit.
In 2006, when the number of free visits was capped at five, students were often asked to wait as long as two weeks for a consultation, Johnson said. Psychological Services hired an additional psychotherapist at that time to reduce the wait.
But in 2009, a New England Association of Schools and Colleges report stated that psychological resources at the University were of a lower caliber than at peer institutions.
Since then, Psychological Services has increased the number of free visitations to seven and hired another psychotherapist.
Overall, students are open to discussion about psychological issues, said Ash Sofman '12, a former copy editor for Post- magazine. He said he had to find the courage to go to the office the first time because it was "sort of like admitting weakness." He had to wait a week for each of the two consultations he scheduled. Despite the wait, he said he had no problems with the service he received.
Student awareness has increased over the past few years, Johnson said. The office's move from Rhode Island Hall to J. Walter Wilson two yeas ago was an added boost to its visibility. Students are also more educated about the resources available and the importance of therapy, she said.
