Counseling and Psychological Services consolidates with Health Center

From staff reports

WSU Counseling and Psychological Services have moved to consolidate with the Health and Wellness Center in the Washington Building.

In previous years, Counseling and Psychological Services resided in the Lighty Student Services building.

Dr. Bruce Wright, executive director of Health and Wellness Services and Counseling and Psychological Services, said the move was to create a one-stop shop for all WSU health needs.

He said the original separation of the two services was arbitrary and historic. This reflected the 20th century current in philosophy and medicine to separate the study and care of the mind from that of the body.

The current trend is to create patient-centered medical homes that offer comprehensive care, not merely mental or physical treatment in isolation.

“The implementation of this consolidation puts WSU in the first wave of schools making this change, if not the cutting edge,” Dr. Wright said.

With the two services in the same building, students can more effectively get the medical attention they need. This includes primary care, coordination of medications, and more holistic approaches to treatment focusing on both mind and body.

“Students can also enter the same building without people knowing what they are coming for. This helps due to the stigma often surrounding mental health treatment,” he said.

A student can anonymously enter the Washington Building without their peers knowing if they are there to see a nurse practitioner or counselor.

The move also promoted the growth of Counseling and Psychological Services program. Dr. Wright said the transition to 3rd floor Washington was easy and gave greater office space and resources to CPS.

For all incoming students, he offered his warm welcome. “We are excited they have chosen WSU. We provide a full range of primary care and mental services. We hope they visit us and contact us.”

Counseling and Psychological Services offer walk-in hours Mondays from 1 – 3:30 p.m. and Tuesdays – Fridays from 10 – 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Reporting by Tyler Laferriere