Unlocking Support: Are Marist’s Counseling Services Accessible?
A photo of Seema Khan at the counseling center. Photo by Julianna Arnold '27
Feeling overwhelmed? Look no further than Marist University Counseling Services!
Located in Midrise 113, the counseling center promises to provide high-quality confidential support in a welcoming environment. The inclusive and engaging staff are committed to creating a safe space for all students seeking assistance.
Students have the option to work with a licensed mental health provider one-on-one through biweekly in-person or virtual appointments, attend group counseling sessions and even attend special pop-up events. All are encouraged to utilize what the counseling center has to offer.
Despite the availability of on-campus mental health services, many students are unaware of the full range of services the Marist Counseling Services provides. The counseling center is working to expand its outreach to increase its visibility to students.
“Some things are advertised. Does it mean we can get better at marketing? Absolutely,” Dr. Marisa Moore, director of Marist Counseling Services, admitted. “There’s always more ways we can try to connect.”
Moore has been working within the counseling center for nine years and has had her position of director for about four years. Within her current role, she oversees staff and administrative responsibilities.
When it comes to the most common service from the center, most students utilize the biweekly in-person or virtual counseling.
“The stereotype of therapy is meeting every week,” Moore acclaimed. “But we have to be accessible to the whole community.”
By using a biweekly system, more students have the opportunity to schedule an appointment.
Along with one-on-one appointments, the counseling center also offers group sessions that target specific needs. This includes programs for survivors of sexual assault, the LGBTQ+ community, students dealing with grief and loss and those looking to learn mindfulness.
There are currently five full-time staff, three part-timers and two graduate interns at the counseling center. Each staff member has their own passion and unique area of interest, making it easier for students to have someone who specializes in their personal needs.
“The magic happens outside of the session,” Dr. Moore stated. “We want to ensure that students can build resilience.”
Although Marist’s counseling services are beneficial, students like Seema Khan ‘27 feel that they are not as accessible as they claim to be.
Khan is a sophomore who transferred to Marist during her freshman spring semester. Feeling overwhelmed by this new journey, a friend suggested that she contact the counseling center for guidance. When Khan tried to book an appointment via email, she was denied because there was no more space.
“I was told that they’re booked and can’t help me, so it bummed me out,” Khan reflected.
Khan feels that, given the high demand for help from students, more resources should be available.
“Being a student and reaching out, you’re putting yourself in a vulnerable position,” Khan added. “I felt like I had nobody to talk to.”
Reaching out for help can be intimidating, and it becomes frustrating when assistance is just out of reach.
This year, Khan contacted the counseling center once more and was finally able to schedule an appointment. She utilized these services twice, but she had a hard time getting back in due to limited space once again. The counseling center suggested that they could connect her to a mental health provider off-campus instead.
“I do appreciate them for telling me to look outside of Marist, but it's hard for people who can't commute there or don’t like doing a virtual therapy session,” Khan said. “Personally, I want that one-on-one where I can talk to somebody, but if I'm not able to receive that, then it's sort of like, ‘what do I do now?’”
Dr. Moore feels that a student taking that first step of reaching out, only for the counseling center to be busy, is disheartening.
“There are times in the semester where it gets busier,” she explained, “especially during midterms and finals.”
The typical wait time for an appointment is less than a week. However, the severity of the circumstance can lessen this wait period.
“If there's a student at risk or in a crisis, we make sure they’re safe,” Dr. Moore added. “We want to get students what they deserve.”
She strongly suggested that students who struggle to make an appointment or are unsure about counseling utilize the “Let's Talk” program. This program allows students to pop by the counseling center to chat; no appointment is needed.