Exploring Mental Health Resources at Chaffey College: Are They Enough?
By Chayse Larsen
As conversations around mental health become more common among college campuses, many remain unaware of the student support services available at Chaffey College.
Chaffey’s Student Health Services provides options for individual and group therapy (with in-person and virtual options), risk assessments, psycho-educational workshops and treatment planning -- all free of cost. These services aim to aid students with anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses that may affect their academic performance.
They emphasize the importance of accessibility by maintaining mental health support at all hours of the day, even after the school is closed. Students are able to have access to virtual tele-medicine and counseling sessions through First Stop Health.
Students can call at any time to schedule an in-person appointment with a counselor. If the call is made after hours, the student is directed to leave a voicemail that will be received and responded to the following morning. The goal is to ensure students always have a pathway to help whenever they need it.
Justine Garcia, 20, English major, is one of the many students who have used the mental health aid the school provides.
“I’ve utilized the mental health resources a number of times when I’m struggling with certain things,” she said. “Meeting with the counselors has helped me get myself back on track and do the best I can for myself and my education.”
Even so, some students have felt a strong disconnect between them and these resources. Many claim they were not aware of them due to limited communication and advertising.
Some think that the college could be doing more to connect students with the help that is in place. Alexis Sanchez, 25, Education major, said that he was unaware of what the school has to offer.
“I didn't even know the school had so many options for therapy and mental health aid,” he said. “I believe Chaffey should be advertising these resources more, so more students can get the help they need.”
Garcia shared a similar sentiment, noting she only learned about these resources once a professor mentioned them to her.
“I don’t think it's a matter of if the school is providing enough resources,” Sanchez stated. “I believe it's a matter of making sure students are getting informed of the resources.”
Many students suggest that stronger visibility and recognition of the college's mental health services could help bridge this information gap. With more signage around campus, greater promotion online and outreach events hosted by the Student Health Services, more students could be encouraged to get help if it is needed.
“I hope more students become aware of the mental health services available at Chaffey,” Garcia stated. "Without them, I don't know where I would be.”