Dr. Susan Han and Dr. Bruce Herman, UMBC Counseling Center
Parents and students, welcome to UMBC! College is a time for growth and parental support throughout the college experience is invaluable. Parents not only experience the excitement and anxiety along with their sons and daughters, but can also provide support when students are confronted with new challenges. Students who get involved in campus organizations, jobs and activities generally do better academically and are more likely to stay in school. However, it is sometimes challenging to figure out how to find balance and manage time. As a parent, you can help prepare your child anticipate that they may face academic and social challenges as he or she moves from home and takes steps toward independence. Stay alert for signs of distress and possible changes in mood or behavior, and throughout the year, ask questions and listen to how they are feeling. In addition, encourage them to use resources on campus.
One great free resource available at the Counseling Center is the Mind Spa, a tranquil oasis that is replete with tools to help students relax, improve memory and concentration, increase awareness of emotional states, and learn to regulate stress and anxiety. It is a space equipped for practice of mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, and overall self-care. Practice of mindfulness and meditation have important physical and mental health benefits such as increased concentration, awareness, and regulation of emotions. Studies show that these practices have positive short and long-term effects on the brain. Specific resources that we offer include but are not limited to: a massage chair, biofeedback programs, meditation cushions, hot tea, aromatherapy, light therapy, self-help library, and guided breathing/relaxation exercises. Students have access to the Mind Spa Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. Students can walk-in or call ahead (410-455-2472) to reserve the space or specific resource.
The Counseling Center is a free and confidential resource at UMBC that provides short-term individual counseling, group therapy, referral assistance and psychiatric consultation for a wide variety of concerns. Some students talk to their counselors about their struggles to adjust to UMBC, while others seek treatment for mood and/or anxiety disorders. Counseling Center staff also provide drop-in workshops called “Skills 4 Success” which help students learn strategies to improve time management, procrastination difficulties, test anxiety and stress management. In addition, parents can utilize the Just In Case app (counseling.umbc.edu/familyjustincase) for resources, tips and information about mental health. At any time, parents can reach out to the Counseling Center for consultation regarding how they can best support their son or daughter. Further information about the Center is available at our website or you can call 410-555-2472 to speak with a counselor.
