Under New Leadership, University Counseling Center Expanding Hours

February 4, 2020 | UToday
By Staff



Here to help — that’s the University Counseling Center, which is offering expanded hours two days a week spring semester.

“We are ready to help students and want to be more accessible for them,” Dr. LaTasha Sullivan, director of the University Counseling Center, said. “We started to stay open longer one day late fall semester, and it was well-received. So we’ll be here longer two days starting spring semester.”

Sullivan

The University Counseling Center will be open from 8:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

For free, confidential mental health services, students may schedule appointments by calling 419.530.2426. If it is afterhours, the weekend, or a holiday, call that number and select option one to be connected to a support counselor.

“It is our goal to empower students so they have the tools to help them reach their educational goals at UToledo,” Sullivan said. “We are Rockets caring for Rockets.”

Sullivan was named director of the University Counseling Center in October. She joined the center as a clinical counselor in February 2019 and served as interim associate director from June until her appointment.

“Dr. LaTasha Sullivan has already made a difference at the University Counseling Center,” Dr. Sammy Spann, associate vice president and dean of students, said. “Offering drop-in hours during the last week of classes and finals helped students cope during what can be a stressful time.”

In addition to Sullivan, the center has been bolstered by several new hires, Spann said.

Dr. William Covert is the new associate director of the Counseling Center, and three clinicians joined the staff: Amanda Jones, Cassandra Haas and Whitney Dillard.

And counseling services now are being offered on Health Science Campus. Jackie Van Zile is the new student wellness counselor and works in the Academic Enrichment Center. Schedule an appointment by emailing Van Zile at jacquelyn.vanzile@utoledo.edu or go online to jackie-vanzile.youcanbook.me.

“Our experienced staff is excited to help students make the most of their time at the University,” Sullivan said. “We offer mental health services to help make that possible.”

Located in the University Health Center, which is across from the Horton International House, the Counseling Center is the institution’s primary facility for free, confidential personal counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological outreach and consultation services. The center offers screenings and crisis intervention, as well as individual, couples and group counseling services.

“We are looking forward to breathing new life into the University Counseling Center by hosting workshops, offering process groups, and relaunching Acronym, a support group for LGBTQA+ students,” Sullivan said.

And for those who need a little puppy love, Audrey the therapy dog again will be receiving visitors Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. at the center. The canine certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs belongs to Debbie Andrews, director of graduate enrollment management in the College of Graduate Studies.

“Students and employees love to visit with Audrey,” Sullivan said. “We are glad to continue to offer the chance to see Audrey; she brightens the day for so many.”

For more information about the University Counseling Center, visit the center’s website or call 419.530.2426.

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