LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – UNLV students have received 13,000 counseling sessions through the Student Wellness center and its resources, ever since the December 6 tragedy.
A team of two dozen UNLV counselors are ramping up mental health resources ahead of the December 6 memorial and the end of the Fall semester.
Back in January, FOX5 covered the effort to offer students a range of resources upon return to class for the Spring semester.
“It’s encouraging that our students are coming in, they’re talking to mental health professionals, they’re learning about themselves. They’re learning, how has this impacted me and how I can grow and continue my education?” said Associate Vice President for Wellness Jamie Davidson.
“It was very tough a year ago. But by and large, the campus feels like there’s growth, there’s improvement, and that’s encouraging to us,” Davidson said. “The encouraging message is students are resilient and, in many ways, thriving. There’s some of us that are still struggling with the challenges of the shooting and the impacts,” he said.
For $60 a semester, students can access unlimited mental health resources, which include psychiatric support, group and individual counseling and telehealth.
Many other students and staff members are volunteering for training in mental health first aid, and 1,700 people have signed up so far.
“You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t have to be a psychologist. You just have to be willing and have compassion. It makes such a big difference in the lives of students and colleagues,” Davidson said.
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