By Alexandra Stetz

If exams, graduation or finding a summer job have you stressed, the Buffalo State College counseling center may be able to help.

The counseling center, located on the second floor of the Weigel Health Center http://www.buffalostate.edu/pdf/3dcampusmap.pdf , is available year-round for students who need help.

The center employs six full time professional staff members: four clinical psychologists and two masters’ level counselors. There is also a part time psychiatrist who works in the center one day a week for patients who have medical prescription needs.
Ron George is the substance abuse specialist at the center.

"We see over 500 students a year,” George said. “People come in with a variety of problems and situations.”

The services are offered to every BSC student free of charge and the counselors talk to students on a wide range of issues, such as relationships, depression, eating disorders, emotional and academic problems and anxiety. The center also holds workshops throughout the year in anger, substance abuse and stress management.
Some students are hesitant to go and get help, but Michael Owsowitz, one of the counselors at the center says there is nothing to worry about.
“”People tend to worry in general, if they see a counselor they will maybe be blamed for something,” Owsowitz said.

The center is open Monday through Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., when school is in secession. Appointments can be made by calling the center although they do take emergency walk-ins at any time.

“I don’t think you’ll find a student who wouldn’t say, ‘I wish I’d done it sooner’,” Oesowitz said.

http://www.crisisservices.org/

http://www.buffalostate.edu/depts/counsel/