By William Joseph
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Mental health awareness at Camden County College is on the rise, as more students seek counseling and help offered by the school.
Before July 2024, the campus had no specific place to meet to have counseling sessions for students, said Sherley M. Williams, a licensed social worker and case manager for counseling and wellness on the Blackwood campus. Instead, it used an online navigation tool called Youwell to schedule virtual appointments. Now it has a counseling and wellness center in Rooms 229 and 230 of Taft Hall and offers in-person counseling sessions and case management services. The center allows six free sessions each semester.
”We know college can be a very stressful time for students, so we just want to have as many outlets and resources as possible,” Williams said. ”Since COVID, we know that a lot of students are experiencing high levels of stress. There’s a lot of mental health challenges that have arrived since. Having counselors on campus will help better support our students.”
To raise awareness of the offerings, Williams said the center places information on the college website, posts flyers around the campus, attends the back-to-school barbecue and relies on students to spread the word. As students approach the end of the spring semester, Williams said the number who will feel stressed about school factors, such as passing final exams, as well as outside life stressors, will spike.
A student, who did not want their name disclosed, said they have been going to the center for counseling every Friday and have been pleased with it. The student recommended everyone seek help at least once.
“Throughout the whole process, I’ve been treated well. I talk and she listens and then gives me feedback,” the student said. “Does it work? Yeah, it works. Some days are better than others but we always have a good time talking.”
The student mentioned they wouldn’t be opposed to spreading the word more on campus at a pep rally or event. Williams noted she is putting together something for the spring semester like the one that took place in the fall. Last semester, the center brought in K-9 dogs for people to meet and play with as a way to get their mind off the stresses of school.