Counseling Center changes policy

A dramatic increase in the number of students who visit Grand Valley’s Counseling Center has led staff members to develop a new service model, effective this academic year.

Barbara Palombi, director of the Counseling Center, said limiting the number of individual counseling sessions per person will help more students receive services.

In past years, Counseling Center visitors could receive unlimited individual therapy sessions. Individual sessions will now be capped at six per academic year. Students can, however, attend an unlimited number of group therapy sessions and workshops.

Palombi said research has shown that group therapy sessions can be equally, or even more, effective than individual sessions. She also said a steady rise in the number of visits is the catalyst for the change.

In the 2005-2006 academic year, Counseling Center staff members saw 5,943 individual counseling appointments. In 2009-2010, that number rose to 7,709. Palombi said the increase would be enough work to hire three more counselors, but staffing has remained the same.

She credited the increase in visits to more students coming to college with prior histories of therapy, and common stressors like a bad economy and transitioning to college life.

Also this year, walk-in hours at the center will be eliminated. Palombi said students were not making appointments and using walk-in hours, thus taking time away from another student who made an appointment.

“I know the changes will be difficult for some individuals but this will be a better model for all in the long run,” she said.

Faculty or staff members who have a student with immediate concerns will continue to be seen promptly. For more information, visit the Counseling Center’s website at www.gvsu.edu/counsel.