Southern University at New Orleans opens new campus counseling center

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — Officials with Southern University at New Orleans cut the ribbon on the campus' new counseling center on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

A grand opening ceremony was held for the SUNO Counseling Center on Wednesday, where the public got a chance to tour the new facility.

The goal of the center is to provide Southern University students access to vital mental health services to combat emotional barriers that may prevent them from receiving a quality college education, according to university officials.

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A study done by Healthy Minds reported "Withdrawing from college due to depression is also becoming a frequent occurrence among young adults. 64% of college students who drop out, did so because of mental disorders. half of those who end up leaving college with depression hadn't accessed any mental health services while on campus."

SUNO Chancellor Dr. James H. Ammons, Jr. remarked during the Wednesday ceremony that the mental health of the students is at the forefront of everything the university does.

"The pressures of college, all of these issues that impact our student's ability to succeed, we see them on a daily basis," said Ammons.

The center will provide services to promote the well-being of all students using consultation, sensitive counseling, prevention and training that enhances student's academic and personal success.

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Currently enrolled students can receive counseling, individual or group, along with crisis intervention, from a licensed therapist.

The center will run under the direction of Kimberly Paige who said "We are no longer surviving when it comes to mental health, we are thriving."

Faculty and staff will also have access to the center located on the second floor of the University Center at 6400 Press Dr.

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