Grand opening for new psychological counseling center set for Feb. 21

NEW PALTZ — The State University of New York at New Paltz will hold a grand opening ceremony for its new Student Psychological Counseling Center at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. The new center features clean and soothing surroundings specifically designed to increase the confidentiality of clients.

The difference between the old center compared to the new “is as different as black and white,” according to Dr. Pam Atkins, director of the center. “What is exciting to watch is that as our waiting room seems fuller this semester, students are congregating together, talking about their therapy appointments with what appears to be very little stigma.”

Dr. Atkins said that there is a “circular flow” to the building, which helps with confidentiality, as students can enter the offices in one direction and leave in another. In addition, she hopes that the significantly larger waiting room and reception area, and clean, organized and beautiful environment will better the sessions.

The original counseling center was located in the van den Berg Learning Center (VLC), but as part of a renovation project it has since moved to the new Student Health and Counseling Center. The two centers will remain separate and independent, however, students will now be able to obtain both mental and physical health services in close proximity.

The Psychological Counseling Center offers a variety of services to the campus community, ranging from individual and group counseling to campus-wide educational programs that contribute not only to the growth of individual students, but also to the benefit of academic programs in related disciplines, to campus life, and to the educational/cultural life of the region.

The center is open to SUNY New Paltz students, both residents and commuters. For more information about the Psychological Counseling Center, go to www.newpaltz.edu/counseling, or call (845) 257-2920.