If the center was provided with the adequate amount of resources available, it likely would not have to direct students to other resources.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. That statistic, combined with the increasing number of students seeking psychological help at MSU, should be enough to prevent MSU from making such a large cut to the Counseling Center.

It’s encouraging that mental health issues are finally being acknowledged as illnesses, whereas it was put behind physical well-being in the past. Many people were hesitant to seek psychological help, and MSU should accommodate the students who finally are willing to ask for treatment rather than cut funds from the Counseling Center.

With Michigan’s economy being in the poor condition that it is, many programs and universities won’t be able to receive all the funding they require, and that’s unfortunate. But with the rising demand students have for mental health services, MSU should place the Counseling Center higher on the priority list.

Although there are many student groups on campus that offer help and support to students, such as the MSU Sexual Assault Program’s therapy groups, the “Caregivers Together” Support Group and the Pet Loss Support Group, sometimes the severity of a student’s mental health requires them to speak with professionals.

However, the funding cuts are forcing students off campus to do so. Depending on the type of treatment needed, MSU counselors sometimes are directing students seeking help to see doctors and counselors who will be able to provide those students with the help and commitment they need to be healthy. Students shouldn’t have to go off campus to find the mental health assistance they need.

Although it is upsetting the center is directing students elsewhere, the faculty at the center is doing the best they can given the circumstances — every student who seeks help is seen at least once.
The Counseling Center is making do with the resources provided to them while keeping the No. 1 priority, the mental health of students, in mind.

MSU is forced to cut funds from many programs because of the current economic state, but the Counseling Center is not be the right place to cut from. The university should provide the center with the means to meet the ever-increasing demands of students.