Spring at WCC: Prioritize Your Mental Health
Spring has arrived at Westchester Community College, bringing its beauty and a sense of renewal. As the semester nears its end, students often feel stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious. If you are experiencing any of these challenges, there is help available.
I interviewed Carmian Barsh, an art major at WCC, to discuss awareness of mental health services on campus. When asked if she knew about the mental health resources, she shared:
"Yes, I do. I’ve actually had a couple of appointments there to help me with school and other things. It’s a little stressful sometimes, so yeah, it’s really good. The people there are really nice, and I definitely recommend going to mental health services and talking to someone about what’s going on with school or life in general."
To gain more insight, I spoke with Walesca Marmolejos, a Licensed Mental Health Professional at WCC. When I asked what kinds of services are offered, she explained:
"We offer a variety of services, including individual counseling and group therapy. Alyssa, one of our counselors, is a certified art therapist, so she conducts a weekly art therapy group. We also provide workshops and training on mental health topics, such as how to help friends or manage stress. All of our services are free of charge and completely confidential."
Many students have already benefited from these services, and you can too. Licensed Mental Health Professional Alyssa Sousa shared her perspective on the support available:
"We try to schedule appointments, so students have a set day and time to meet with us. Sessions are roughly 45 minutes long, and we typically meet with students biweekly or every other week. On average, we see six or seven students a day, but it varies. Students come to us for a variety of reasons—whether they’re dealing with anxiety, depressive symptoms, school stress, or work-life balance challenges. No problem is too big or small to bring to us, and we’re here to help."
A crucial question for students is whether these services are confidential. Alyssa emphasized:
"Yes, all of our services are confidential. We don’t release any records without a student’s consent. Students can feel safe knowing that their conversations with us are private."
Taking care of your mental health is as important as studying for finals or achieving academic success. Imagine how much more focused and balanced you could feel with the right support. Sometimes, just one conversation can make all the difference.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Department of Mental Health & Counseling Services at WCC. These services are free for all currently enrolled students, confidential, and designed to meet your needs. Licensed professionals are ready to provide short-term support. Seeking help is a step of strength, not weakness, and prioritizing your well-being is an essential part of your journey.
Vice President of Student Affairs, Dante Cantu, also shared his thoughts:
"It’s important to support our students and ensure they’re aware of the resources available to them. Student Life takes the lead in enhancing the mental health support we offer and strengthening our partnerships with community resources. We’re committed to sharing this information regularly because we see our students as whole people, and their mental health and well-being are essential. We want them to know exactly where they can turn for help during challenging times."