Students on campus for summer are the first to benefit from UF’s new Counseling and Wellness Center’s services.
Previously, there were two separate centers—the Counseling Center, which was located in Peabody Hall, and the Student Mental Health Center, located in the infirmary—which confused students, said Sherry Benton, the center’s director. Gatorwell Health Services is also housed in the center, which opened May 10.
By consolidating the centers, costs were cut by half a million dollars, but no one was fired, she said.
The Counseling and Wellness Center offers a myriad of free services for UF students including counseling and biofeedback, which uses a sensor for sweat production and pulse rate.
Benton said mental health is important for students’ academic success.
“The two most common problems with students are anxiety and depression,” she said. “It’s hard to be a student with memory loss and lack of concentration.”
In September, when all the services are operational, Benton said she expects the center to hold a grand opening.
