Have you been feeling overwhelmed lately or like you could really use someone to talk to? Have you been wondering what resources are available to support your mental and emotional health? If so, you are in the right place. Lakeland University’s counseling center, located in the Wellness Center within Brotz Hall, offers free and confidential counseling to traditional undergraduate students with Alex Liosatos, MA, LPC and Amanda Groll, LPC-IT.

According to Alex, staff at the Wellness Center “can provide in-person (with masks) or virtual support for concerns such as stress, feeling overwhelmed, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, relationship violence, grief, and other concerns.” For concerns outside the scope of the Wellness Center, staff will arrange outside referrals. Typically, appointments can be made within a week. If the situation is indicated as urgent, appointments can be made sooner. To make an appointment, please email the counselors directly at [email protected] or [email protected].

In addition to the services offered at the Wellness Center, graduate assistant Tralese Campbell acts as a peer support provider for Lakeland students. Tralese is available to discuss milder concerns or current stressors and has been trained to provide free, confidential, and non-judgmental support. Tralese’s office features Seasonal Affective Disorder lamps and a Heartmath device designed to regulate heartrate and stress levels using computer software. To learn more about these devices and information regarding peer support, contact Tralese Campbell at [email protected].

In continuing to advance the university’s wellness initiatives, Lakeland also recently opened a relaxation room, known as The Oasis, on the 3^rd floor of Old Main. This room allows up to four students at a time to relax and destress for a half hour. There are many ways to reduce stress levels at The Oasis, including EmWave software, which helps to regulate breathing and reduce heartrate, weighted blankets, massage chairs, meditation apps, and books. The hours for the Oasis are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9am-4:30pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-9pm. The Oasis is open exclusively for faculty and staff Monday through Friday from 7-9am.