For students who are not yet familiar with their roles on campus, it can be hard to know the right time to go and see a counselor, but Lakeland’s remaining counselor hopes to reach out to them nonetheless.

Director of Counseling Services Alex Liosatos is currently the only counselor at Lakeland. According to Liosatos, with the departure of Lakeland’s previous secondary counselor, the hiring process for the new one has already begun. Leading into next semester, there should be a new addition to the counseling team.

Liosatos says that there can be any number of reasons to come in for counseling. “Talk about anything,” she says. “Your visit can be a one-time thing, for long-term depression, homesickness, academic stress, relationship concerns, communication difficulties, stress, and eating disorders.”

Currently, there is a counselor available on the lower level of Brotz Hall Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. This schedule will last until Dec. 14. Through break, the counselor will be available every Wednesday. From Jan. 15, the counselor will be available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Liosatos has a message to students on campus that may or may not know that counseling is the right thing for them. “It’s not a sign of weakness to seek help with current stressors or ongoing difficulties,” she says. “Whether students just want to get something off their chest by talking it through, or learn some strategies to reduce symptoms that are preventing optimal functioning, they’ll find a warm welcome in the Counseling Center.”