With finals just a few weeks away, Quinnipaic’s Office of Counseling Services has experienced a 40 percent increase in counseling appointments, and students are ultimately the ones paying the price.

“You can imagine with a 40 percent increase in demand we are stretched thin,” said Dr. Ariela Reder, director of the Office of Counseling Services.

Many students have been waiting days or even weeks to speak with a licensed counselor, and many agree that mental health should not be a waiting game.

“It took me a month to get an appointment,” said senior Jonathan Lezama. “I needed help right then and there and waiting too long was just not a good thing.”

Junior Courtney O’Connor agreed.

“People need to talk about things and it takes a lot of courage to go and get help,” O’Connor said. “You’ll feel some type of way in the moment and three weeks pass, you wont feel that way anymore and it feels pointless.”

The Office of Counseling Service has responded to students by adding a trained receptionist to help with demands. In addition, a 24/7 emergency hotline has been added for students who cannot wait for an in-person appointment.

“This is a newer program we have,” Reder said. “We are seeing an increase, but truthfully I would like it to be utilized more because I think it’s something that really can be useful for our students.”

The Office of Counseling Services offers a variety of support groups including grief support groups, survivors of sexual assault and mindfulness groups. In addition, they offer individual counseling and faculty and staff consultation. This is all free of charge.

The Office of Counseling Services is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students with questions or concerns should contact the Office of Counseling services at 203-582-8680 or [email protected].