By: Dewand Hemsley

Mental health resources at West Virginia Wesleyan College play a crucial role in student success by providing counseling, support services, and a safe space for students to manage stress, anxiety, and academic pressure on campus.

At West Virginia Wesleyan College, this means examining the mental health services available to students, such as counseling and support programs, and exploring how easy they are to access. It also looks at how students feel about these resources and whether they believe the college provides enough support for their mental well-being and overall success.

The first student interviewed, Dylan Rowan, said he believes the university takes mental health seriously. He highlighted the availability of free walk-in counseling on campus, explaining that it makes support easier to access for students who may be struggling. Rowan added that not all universities provide this type of service, and at some schools, students are required to pay out of pocket for counseling. Because of this, he feels the university offers strong mental health resources and shows a real commitment to supporting student well-being.

The next person interviewed was Sam Hepburn, who spoke about the importance of having accessible mental health resources available to students on campus. Hepburn explained that these resources play a key role in supporting students during difficult times. “I think it’s important for there to be resources on campus that can help students, and I do think it’s very good and needed for students who are struggling,” Hepburn said. He added that having support readily available can make a significant difference for students dealing with stress, academic pressure, or personal challenges.

Ms. Shauna Jones explained that her role on campus focuses on supporting students’ mental health. “Obviously, my role on campus is to help students grow and heal, so mental health is the primary goal,” Jones said. She added that she wants students to feel comfortable coming into the Center for Counseling and Well-Being, just like they would the Health Center next door. Jones stressed that struggling is normal and there is no shame in asking for help. She reassured students that counseling is simply a safe, supportive conversation where she listens without judgment and helps restore hope. Students can schedule an appointment by emailing counseling@wvwc.edu 

From my own experience, counseling truly made a difference in my life. When my uncle passed away and later my brother passed away, I was dealing with a lot of grief and emotions that were hard to handle on my own. Meeting Ms. Jones gave me a safe space to talk about what I was feeling without being judged. She listened, supported me, and helped me find healthy ways to cope during one of the most difficult times in my life. Her support showed me how important mental health services are and how much they can help students who are going through personal loss or other challenges.

Photo by: Dewand Hemsley