Counseling Center responds to criticism from Op-Ed

USD is developing new resources to support student mental health and wellbeing

Karisa Kampbell / News Editor / The USD Vista

In the midst of the strenuous midterm season, students are increasingly overwhelmed and looking for support from various campus resources. The Wellness Center, the main center for mental health support, is increasingly overwhelmed during these busy times. In an Op-Ed, Contributor Maeve Drury wrote a personal and powerful piece reflecting on her personal experiences with the Counseling Center. This Op-Ed raised questions as to if the Counseling Story is doing enough to support students. 

Dr. Laura Thackray, Clinical Director of Mental and Behavioral Health at USD, shared her response to students feeling like they are not being adequately supported. 

“I want students to know USD has a caring team of very committed mental health counselors,” Thackray expressed. “USD and Student Wellness is committed to providing students with the programs, experiences and support services necessary to help them maximize their educational experience, and to challenge them to develop knowledge, values and skills to enrich their lives. As a Wellness team, we work collaboratively to support students as they navigate the USD student experience.” 

One of the biggest barriers students face, as described by the Op-Ed, is working with insurance to find an off-campus counselor. Typically, the USD Counseling Center only offers short-term (about six appointments) care, and sometimes believe it is better to refer students out immediately if this is the case. However, this puts pressure on students and can cause financial stress and fears about insurance. 

USD students are not alone in this fear, however. The search for an affordable, accessible therapist is one that millions of Americans are currently struggling with. Recently, the Wall Street Journal released an article exploring the reasons why Americans are currently struggling to find therapists. The most obvious reason is the pandemic; the pandemic caused an increase in the need for therapists, therefore a lot of therapists are over saturated with the clients they have, and currently can not accept new clients. People also have a difficult time finding a therapist within their insurance’s network. According to the article, 34% of people with private insurance found it difficult to find a therapist. Insurance companies are aware of the problem and claim that they are fixing it. The article states new ways different insurance companies are ensuring therapy’s accessibility and equity, including increasing the number of therapists in their network, and growing the newly established telehealth programs, where patients can access counselors online. 

Thackray shared how the university Counseling Center will work with students throughout the process, including if they are referred into the San Diego community for care. 

“We want students to know they are never alone as they navigate health and wellness challenges. Students with any access barriers can seek help from the Wellness team,” Thackray said. “We can help students address any challenges with health insurance. The Wellness team is available to help ensure students receive the appropriate level of care and support.” 

As with many places in the United States, USD is currently facing a multiple-week wait to have an initial appointment with a counselor. This provides students with concerns regarding the accessibility of the Counseling Center. 

Thackray described the ways in which the Counseling Center remains accessible, despite the long wait for initial appointments. 

“The Wellness team is available to support students at any time. If students seek a same-day meeting for an urgent concern, the Counseling Center has ‘Mental Health’ counselors available. Every day we have available counseling appointments for students,” Thackray shared. “Students can visit SH300 (during business hours) or call Student Wellness at 619-260-4655 (24/7) to access support. Please know we are ready to talk to students at any time via phone or in person.” 

Additionally, education and previous experience with therapy may also be an influencing factor on accesible. Sophomore student Spencer Bispham described what he believes to be another obstacle in obtaining mental health help. 

“I came in with a ton of privilege and a lot of that information already on hand, and I know not a lot of people have had those experiences,” Bispham said. “College is a huge adjustment and mental health is a huge part of that, so if you are just thrown into that with no background knowledge and you’ve never been to counseling or therapy before, it’s really daunting. I think it’s good to be mindful of that, for the staff.” 

Thackray also emphasized the ways in which students can provide the Wellness Center with feedback about their experience. 

“When students engage in any clinical services at USD, they receive information regarding how to share any concerns regarding their experiences,” Thackray said. “Any USD community member can email wellness@sandiego. edu to share concerns regarding their experiences or call 619-260-4655. Then, a USD Wellness Clinical Director is available to address any student concerns.” 

Similar to how many insurance companies are focusing on accessibility, according to the Wall Street Journal article, USD has also started a telemedicine initiative. This initiative allows for students to schedule online counseling appointments. 

Thackray explained the reasoning behind the new telemedicine campaign and the benefits it has for students. 

“Among the many challenges of COVID-19 was ensuring students could receive accessible and culturally responsive mental health care,” Thackray said. “USD explored and implemented a confidential telehealth option for students. Students can access a USD mental health counselor from home while using a computer or hand-held device. We want our students to experience accessible and caring connections with the Wellness team.” 

By creating the new telemedicine opportunity, USD is attempting to make mental health resources more accessible to students. Additionally, many students are understanding of the over saturation of the therapy system, and want to emphasize the importance of mental health. 

Bispham shared his appreciation for the Counseling Center, while emphasizing the ways that the Counseling Center can do better. 

“Thank you to all the employees there. I know it’s a difficult job especially when the students are entitled, or frustrated with you, and I’m sure that happens more than what’s talked about,” Bispham said. “And I also I just want say look out for students who haven’t taken care of these things prior to coming to school because unless you know exactly what to do, where to go, and who to talk to, it’s really hard to figure all that out by yourself.” 

While the Counseling Center is a mental health resource for students on campus, it’s important to understand that, like many other systems, it is not perfect. 

The Counseling Center is always available for students, however, specific research may need to be done to understand exactly what needs to be done on the students end to access care. While the Wellness Center is here to support students, sometimes it’s in the students’ best interest to be referred out into the San Diego community to other resources. 

If you or someone you know is in serious danger, reach out to either the 24/7 Counseling Center line or Public Safety, where they can connect you to someone. 

For more information visit sandiego.edu/wellness.