WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 1, 2023 — College is an exciting time for students, but it is also a time of changes and challenges that can negatively affect a student’s mental health, according to Lisa Witzberger, MSW, LGSW.
Witzberger leads the Counseling Office at WLU and has been employed at the university since 2008.
“College Mental Health Counseling helps students cope with mental health challenges, students can seek mental health services on campus even if it isn’t a crisis, in person and virtual sessions are available,” said Witzberger.
Witzberger is assisted by Dawn Antal, LICSW. Antal began at WLU in fall of 2021 and was added because of the increased need for counseling services, in part due to the effects of COVID-19.
“Our needs for counseling services increased dramatically during the pandemic and we continue to see more students scheduling appointments than ever,” Witzberger said. Services are available for free and details can be found online.
According to Witzberger, students don’t have to be in a mental health crisis to make an appointment with a counselor. College counseling services help with issues, such as the following:
- Academic
- Alcohol Abuse
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Drug Abuse
- Eating Disorders
- Feeling Alone
- Grieving Homesickness
- Identity Issues
- Major Life Events
- Physical Assault
- Relationship Issues
- Self-Harming Behavior
- Sexual Assault
- Sleep Problems
- Stress
- Suicidal Thoughts/Attempts
- Transitions
“It’s important to learn how to manage stress, know where to go for help if you need it, and most importantly to seek help. WLU Counseling aspires to create a culture of help seeking behaviors for our students,” she added.
According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 44% of college students reported symptoms of depression and anxiety in 2021 (please see www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/college-students-and-depression).
Mental conditions, addictions, and other challenges often emerge with the addition of college stress.
“West Liberty’s data is consistent with the national data reflecting the increase in depression and anxiety,” said Witzberger.
WLU mental health services provides a safe environment to process personal issues to improve mental health and academic performance.
Besides the two licensed professional counselors that provide mental health counseling at WLU, students also may benefit from the art therapy faculty and art therapy interns that provide counseling as well.
WLU Counseling provides individual counseling that is free and provides care coordination and referrals for services off campus, as needed.
The Counseling Office is located on the second floor of the College Union in Room S14. Hours are from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Both telehealth and in-person sessions are offered. For more information, please call 304.336.8215 or click westliberty.edu/current-students/behavior-intervention-team-bit/counseling-services.