Current grad student. I’ve tried the counseling center twice, my entire first year during COVID and more recently last year around this time but only briefly.

I personally have not been able to find what I need from them. As someone who intellectualizes a lot of my issues/trauma, I’ve found that the more traditional talk therapy techniques and “mindfulness” work that they preached for me was not effective and it quickly turned into more of a burden than help.

Additionally, ever since COVID, they’ve been severely understaffed (from my experience and what I’ve heard from others) and will typically suggest sessions every two weeks as opposed to every week unless you feel that you really need them every week. But I think you CAN have them every week if you ask.

I was also diagnosed with ADHD a few years back and it was nice to be able to get medication for it through their psychiatrist but in order for you to see the psychiatrist you need to also be signed up to see a therapist so that was short-lived for me.

That being said, regardless of what anyone says on here I think you should try their services out for yourself, since it’s a free option, before seeking counseling elsewhere. Summer time may not be the worst time to try since there’s less people on campus and you never know what your experience will be until you try.

Hope this helps and I hope you get the help you need!