City College students can access therapists for free through the college’s mental health services.Therapists can help students deal with problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings, relationship issues, and/or somatic responses (sensations in the body),” according to the program’s website. The program is available to students through the end of April.

“It’s important to support our students as well as our community with mental health and wellness,” said Chase Moore, the director of the college’s therapy for students program. “Mental health is a big part of education and so, it’s very difficult to learn if you are not balanced and regulated, and able to think clearly.””

Students can go to the center for mental health and wellness website at City College to fill out an online form and make a self-referral. A program representative will then contact the student to set up an appointment, according to Moore.

Courtesy photo of Tanya Anderson

“It’s been amazing, since opening the service in January of this year we had about 38 students who signed up for this”, said Tanya Anderson, dean of the engagement and completion department.

Anderson explained that these services for students are not only free but they also have a diverse therapist list for different students’ needs, including for students who are Asian American, African American and LGBTQ+.

Therapy has become even more or a need during the pandemic as it was hard for students to manage virtual classes, Anderson said, and having a therapist to talk to about hard times and find emotional support, and a balance in school, work and life balance is critical.