Too many students are not taking advantage of the University’s mental health services, according to Charles Bowen, director of student health and counseling services .

“We find that many of our students are not adequately informed about the benefits of mental health assistance and some of it seems to be culture,” said Bowen.

According to research, many blacks are more comfortable talking with a black psychologist who they feel can best relate to their problems.

The issues that students address in counseling are not always associated with the college life.

Child abuse, substance abuse, relationships and sexuality are a few of the issues students are loaded with when attending college.

“Our students are extrapolated from the general population. Therefore their issues, concerns and problems will mirror those of the general population,” said Bowen.

According to Bowen, graduate students are more likely to seek assistance from the counseling center than undergraduate students.

“Graduates students use the mental health services at a slighter rate than undergraduates,” he said.

Bowen said graduate students take advantage of mental health services more often because they are better informed.

They may also be juggling more in terms of family, employment and relationships, he said.

NCCU offers assessments, intervention and ongoing counseling. There is also a consulting psychiatrist who prescribes appropriate medication if needed.

“Additionally, our counselors and psychiatrist sometimes work in concert with a private mental health provider who may be located in an area different from here to afford ongoing continuity,” Bowen said.

Students who need counseling but do not seek help may suffer extreme consequences according to Bowen.

“Generally, students who do not seek help will experience a significantly low overall performance, whether it is academic, social, in work or relationships,” he said.

“In extreme cases the student can suffer tragic consequences.”

Bowen said that all services at the student health and counseling center are confidential.Too many students are not taking advantage of the University’s mental health services, according to Charles Bowen, director of student health and counseling services .

“We find that many of our students are not adequately informed about the benefits of mental health assistance and some of it seems to be culture,” said Bowen.

According to research, many blacks are more comfortable talking with a black psychologist who they feel can best relate to their problems.

The issues that students address in counseling are not always associated with the college life.

Child abuse, substance abuse, relationships and sexuality are a few of the issues students are loaded with when attending college.

“Our students are extrapolated from the general population. Therefore their issues, concerns and problems will mirror those of the general population,” said Bowen.

According to Bowen, graduate students are more likely to seek assistance from the counseling center than undergraduate students.

“Graduates students use the mental health services at a slighter rate than undergraduates,” he said.

Bowen said graduate students take advantage of mental health services more often because they are better informed.

They may also be juggling more in terms of family, employment and relationships, he said.

NCCU offers assessments, intervention and ongoing counseling. There is also a consulting psychiatrist who prescribes appropriate medication if needed.

“Additionally, our counselors and psychiatrist sometimes work in concert with a private mental health provider who may be located in an area different from here to afford ongoing continuity,” Bowen said.

Students who need counseling but do not seek help may suffer extreme consequences according to Bowen.

“Generally, students who do not seek help will experience a significantly low overall performance, whether it is academic, social, in work or relationships,” he said.

“In extreme cases the student can suffer tragic consequences.”

Bowen said that all services at the student health and counseling center are confidential.