Wellness Center Serves as Resource For Student Well-being

By: Kyle Chmielowski 

Are you not feeling well lately? College is a mentally and emotionally challenging time for students. Whether it's the stress of managing a busy study list, navigating stressful social situations, or finding the basic resources to succeed.

Did you know that Wilbur Wright College offers a Wellness Center in room S106 of the Science Building where licensed therapists can support you in a confidential and inclusive space, at no cost? 

Each City College of Chicago has a wellness center that offers free counseling, workshops to educate people, online mental health screening, and in-person and online visits with a licensed clinician. 

Additionally, they offer resources to help people with social services, such as where to find food if they are facing food insecurity or how people can find help paying their bills.  

A member of the Wellness Center Team, Daniel Jerez LSCW, shares why it is important to provide mental health services at no cost. 

“These services can be costly and providing these resources for students is important because when student mental health outcomes improve so does academic performance," Jerez says. 

Jerez states he has seen a big shift since the pandemic in the types of mental health problems students experience. 

Jerez shared warning signs to look for in friends who may not be doing well. “If you notice a sudden change in behavior or mood it could indicate that something is wrong, especially if someone is not acting like themselves." 

"Someone might act more withdrawn or more outgoing as a mask for pain. As a friend, it’s good to ask, if they are doing ok. Also pay attention to body cues, like the tapping of a leg can indicate distress" Jerez expresses. 

To those who are hesitant to ask for help from the Wellness Center, Jerez says, “We need students to understand that it’s ok to go and seek the help you need, so many people struggle with the same issues you might be struggling with.” 

Jerez emphasizes that whether it is a one-time visit or long-term the Wellness Center is there to help you. Jerez ensures students that  “Everything is purely confidential, meaning no one except the Wellness Center has access to your records, and maintaining our license depends upon the confidentiality of your information.”  

The Wellness Center is open from 9 am to 8 pm Monday and Thursday. Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 am to 5 pm and 9 am to 12 pm on Friday. 

The Wellness Center awaits those who want to use their services. Photo Credit: Kyle Chmielowski