CHLOE KOWALYK
Managing Editor
SUNY Fredonia students just gained another opportunity to get virtual counseling sessions through the college’s Counseling Center.
Fredonia’s Counseling Center, based in LoGrasso Hall, has recently partnered with “BetterMynd,” a startup company that works closely with colleges and universities to provide students with online therapy sessions through their website, https://www.bettermynd.com/.
Through this partnership, students will be able to access counselors for free on BetterMynd’s website.
Julie Bezek, the prevention, advocacy and wellness coordinator at the Counseling Center provided several reasons BetterMynd can serve as a useful tool for students.
For instance, she said, “students [may] have really specific mental health concerns, and you may be able to have access to a practitioner who really specializes in that through BetterMynd.”
While the counselors at the college Counseling Center are trained and licensed, BetterMynd offers therapists who specialize in specific mental health concerns, widening the amount of students the Counseling Center can help.
In addition, BetterMynd has a filtering tool that enables students to narrow down which type of counselor they would like to see. If a student wishes to speak to a female counselor, for example, that can be filtered through the website.
For students who are just trying out counseling services for the first time, Bezek believes that telehealth (or virtual counseling) can “be a really nice alternative” to in-person counseling. Attending therapy online may remove any discomfort or fear a student might face when coming to their first session.
BetterMynd also offers flexible hours for students who may have busy schedules, but still wish to attend counseling, including weekend and evening hours for some therapists.
“This is another service that allows us to expand our offerings and abilities to serve students,” Bezek said.
Erin Harrison, an adjunct lecturer of psychology at SUNY Fredonia and a licensed mental health counselor, completes all of her sessions virtually. She believes students will benefit from having telehealth services available to them.
“Having telehealth services available means that students have one more way to connect with a counselor,” Harrison said. “While some students may choose to still see counselors in person, this service allows students who live off campus or face transportation issues to still receive support.”
Plus, she said with the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting the student population, having a virtual option can allow students in quarantine to continue counseling services.
Some may think that doing counseling sessions virtually may not be as good as attending sessions in person. However, Harrison said that while there may be some issues (such as internet connection), “the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of how counseling supports change and that can be formed over telehealth just as it can in person.”
SUNY Fredonia’s Counseling Center was able to partner with BetterMynd by using some of their COVID-19 relief funds. Through their agreement with BetterMynd, the Counseling Center is using “credits” to use for each session.
On the BetterMynd site, credits are used to start each session. Once students sign up, they will be given three credits to use on BetterMynd. One credit translates into one session. The college has 300 credits total they can give out to students.
Students can sign up for BetterMynd by using the link sent out to their emails, through the Counseling Center’s website at https://www.fredonia.edu/student-life/counseling or by calling the counseling center at 716-673-3424.
After doing one of the above options, students will be redirected to a Google Form. Students will also have a 10-15 minute phone consultation to find the services best suited for them.
Once it’s time for a session, students simply log onto the BetterMynd website. Scheduling can also be done on the site.