Newbury College: Is Counseling & Health Education Important on College Campuses?

Many schools all over the world offer counseling and health education to students. But is this program really effective and are students receiving the proper help they need?

Newbury College in Brookline was founded back in 1962. As a small private independent college, Newbury has offered students counseling and health education since September 2006.

All schools aren't required to offer counseling and health education to students on and off campus, however, it is beneficial to have, say officials.

"It is a good best practice within higher education to provide support and resources to best encourage student success," said Dean Anne-Marie Kenney.

Susan Chamandy, director of counseling and health education at Newbury College, said she sees how much students need the program first hand. Students can deal with all different types of issues; many struggle with issues like depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

"It's crucial for colleges to have this program in place. Students face all kinds of stuff," said Chamandy. "Things can be solved in a few meetings, other cases are more serious and have higher risks."

A challenge with this program is that some students aren't aware that this support is available to them.

"I didn't know we had this program here at Newbury. Well I knew it probably existed somewhere but not on campus," said Katya Sykes a senior at Newbury.

Chamandy encourages students to feel comfortable to come meet with her.

"I plan to be at upcoming orientations and continue to inform faculty to encourage students to come by and speak to me," said Chamandy. She went on to say, " I deal with everything from a nasty fight with a roommate to mental health."

Chamandy then argues, mental health is vital for college students.

“Good mental health is essential. When people are stressed and aren't able to function at school someone should step in," said Chamandy.

Photo courtesy of; Newbury College