Personal Growth and Counseling Center works to improve students’ mental health

By Walter Ryce

October is World Mental Health Month while World Mental Health Day is Oct. 10. The Personal Growth and Counseling Center would like to remind students, this fall semester, of strategies and supports available to help deal with mental and emotional struggles. 

Jessica Lopez, LMFT, is the clinical and outreach lead for PGCC. She said they first try to address stigmas that might prevent students from reaching out for help before issues turn into a crisis. That includes feeling embarrassed, minimizing the issues, trying to go it alone, or not giving it proper time and attention. 

“We want students to know that it's common to feel anxious about coming to the center – mostly because it may be the first time they have tried therapy and we are likely to be anxious when we try something new,” Lopez said. “Sometimes the guidance and tools gained in therapy can support students to navigate challenges with a little more ease and they can resume enjoying their college experience.” 

For students who don't have a lot of time or are hesitant to speak in person, the PGCC  encourages them to try the Let's Talk services or the anonymous online wellness tool You@CSUMB.

Wellness-focused initiatives for students include: 

You@CSUMB

Find tips and tools for everything from your mental and physical health, to friendships and finding balance. You@CSUMB is an anonymous, online well-being platform personalized just for you, that can help with:  

• Tips to adjust to a new campus
• Coping with stress and anxiety 
• Improving social connections 
• Academic success tools

Holistic Approach to Wellness 

This campus guide highlights seven steps and resources to improve students’ mental health and well-being, with specific ideas and suggestions for getting there. Students can choose the path that works for them. 

Counseling Support at the Personal Growth and Counseling Center 

The counselors at the PGCC are committed to the development of the whole person: academically, personally, socially, spiritually and physically. Support services include:

• Learn decision-making, problem-solving, and communication
• Deal with problems stemming from personal life experiences, trauma, and situational stress
• Resolve life crises that threaten staying in college
• Adjust to and cope with college life and pressures
• Enhance individual potential
• Develop healthy relationships

To use the services, students should complete the service interest form. The office is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Walk-ins are available for student's first appointment Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 1 - 4 p.m.

Group Counseling:

• Anxiety and Depression Support Group, 1:30 - 2:45 p.m Thursdays 
• Ecotherapy Group, 3:30 - 5 p.m. Mondays
• LGBTQ + Support Group, 3:30 - 5 p.m. Wednesdays 
• Re-imagining Relationships, 4 - 5 p.m. Thursdays 
• Women's Group, noon - 1 p.m. Tuesdays

Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Prevention Training

CSUMB Health and Wellness Services team has certified trainers who offer training to students, faculty and staff using evidence-based suicide prevention programs. Complete one (or all) of the trainings to become a member of Otter Care. Help a fellow student or colleague with their mental well-being and encourage them to seek additional support if needed. Offered monthly, register here.