Image Credit: Counseling Center – IG @uwbcounseling
Have you ever questioned if your brain functions differently from your peers or if you require more structure for your learning? Neurodivergent students are individuals whose brains function differently, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, dyslexia or dyspraxia as the most known variations. UWB’s commitment to assisting Neurodivergent students is demonstrated through the Counseling Center here on campus, making sure that every student has access to learn at UW Bothell with the accommodations they need.
The Counseling Center serves as a place for students to receive help with personal and psychological growth. It is located in the UW1 building on the basement floor. The Counseling Center’s main goal is to “provide brief mental health services that enhance student well-being and assist growth and academic success.” The Counseling Center has counselors from different licensed mental health professions or clinicians-in-training who are supervised by licensed clinicians. Trevor Taone, a mental health counselor, assists with neurodiversity and neurodiversity consultations. According to Taone, the Counseling Center focuses on “anxiety, depression, academic stress, relationship concerns, grief and trauma.” Students have the opportunity for open discussion, which can include navigating academic stress, advising, transitioning, etc.
The Neuroinclusivity program focuses on consultations with students who are seeking accommodations, so that undiagnosed students can break down the barriers limiting their success and receive assistance without delay. During our conversation, Taone explained how impactful the program can be for students. He said, “It’s things like this that can take a lot of time. It’s usually not covered by regular health insurance, so it can cost a lot of money.” The program doesn’t give a full diagnosis or assessment, but it’s a great starting point for students to get more information without the concern of costly services.
The Counseling Center also holds a variety of workshops that center on different stress relief strategies for students to use during the academic year. Through Outreach and Workshops, they host weekly events such as Mindful Monday, Your Future Awaits: Support your Graduates, Stress Management and more. The Neuroinclusivity workshop aims to support neurodivergent students through a targeted approach and focus.
Students who are interested in becoming involved or supporting on campus can work as a Student Advisory Group Member. The Student Advisory Group is a paid part-time position, which includes meeting regularly with the Violence Prevention & Advocacy team to promote and provide feedback. Also, the position focuses on increasing campus safety and advocating for students’ voices.
October 10 is Global Mental Health Day, highlighting everyone’s right to access treatment and resources for mental health. Research shows 1 in 8 people living with mental health conditions go untreated or unrecognized. Mental health changes the way we interact with people, how we control our emotions and do daily tasks. It targets physical health by influencing lack of sleep, heart health and/or weight gain. Additionally, emotional health can be impacted by heightened anxiety, depression or negative emotions. It can also affect social health by challenging connections, enhancing isolation or placing pressure on relationships.
Neurodivergent students can often struggle to manage the challenges of mental health, which is why our campus has resources accessible for students to receive support. It is vital that the UWB community continues to ensure that all students are recognized on campus. Inclusivity is the key to fostering a great community, and UWB continues to do so.
For more information on the Counseling Center, please contact uwbcc@uw.edu.
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