Recently, on campus, there have been some mistaken beliefs about the Wellness Center and concern that the center is not equipped to handle depression. However, the center has many options for a student who may be suffering.
Part of the Wellness Center’s staff include three licensed therapists, one of which who has a Ph.D. in psychology.
Susan Glore, a licensed therapist and the director of the center says, “The Wellness Center is equipped to handle depression as well as most other health clinics around the same size.”
Glore explains that, “Each of our therapists is fully qualified. They have the ability to work in any other business, or start their own private practice if they so choose.”
Depression is a condition that affects nearly 10% of the American population, and is more common in women than in men.
There are many treatments that are effective, and the success rate is between 80 and 90%.
The process of the center is to first assess a patient through one session and then more if needed. If a staff member believes that the patient can be fully treated within a few weeks, then the student will be encouraged to come to the center until treatment is complete.
If it is believed that the patient will need longer treatment after assessment, then the Wellness Center connects the patient to a different practice located off campus.
The reason for this procedure is the size of the center. There are only three therapists; it is not feasible for the entire McDaniel student body to rely on one center for long periods of time.
The center also provides an on-call individual ready for emergencies, even when staff is not there. This on-call individual ensures that students get the care they need when they need it.
Glore emphasizes that students can rely on the Wellness Center to handle depression. She explains, “Our goal at the Wellness Center is to combine outreach and education with client care. The process is always to evaluate and treat.”
