Open House Highlights Health and Wellness Resources Available to St. John’s Students

St. John’s University’s commitment to student mental health and wellness was on display at a Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office open house, where counselors and graduate students promoted resources available to students who might struggle with wellness issues and other challenges to learning.

Students who attended the February 5 event discovered the University’s vast counseling, spiritual development, physical wellness, academic, and career guidance resources.

Jonathan W. Dator, Ph.D., MSCP, CGP, Director, Office of Counseling and Psychological Services, a branch of the Division of Student Success, said the open house was intended to show students the welcoming, yet confidential, environment the office provides. He said the office is dedicated to helping students in all areas of personal wellness, including mindfulness training and even yoga.

“Between the ages of 18 and 27 is when mental health diagnoses will occur for most people,” Dr. Dator said. “The other reality is that college is a time of transition, when life changes and adjusts, and that is hard for anybody. So, we want students to know that this is a place where you can come, talk privately, and build a home away from home.”

CAPS offers free services for all St. John’s students in virtual and in-person settings. From short-term counseling to more enhanced psychological services and skill workshops, the office considers the unique needs of each student when determining treatment and services.

The multidisciplinary staff at CAPS is comprised of full-time, licensed psychologists; clinical social workers; licensed mental health counselors; and a psychiatrist consultant; as well as doctoral fellows, graduate assistants, and administrative support staff. They all help students with a variety of issues, including stress, anxiety, adjusting to change, academic distress, family concerns, relationship difficulties, cultural identity, trauma, substance abuse, homesickness, loneliness, and more.

The office has helped students such as Isabella Rodriguez-Velasquez with mental well-being and career choices. Isabella is a graduate assistant at CAPS and second-year doctoral student in the School Psychology program at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Isabella said CAPS has strengthened her passion to ensure all students have access to essential mental health resources. Having endured learning difficulties growing up, Isabella advised students to be open-minded when pursuing wellness care.

“You never know what areas you might need help with, and being open-minded about the process is important,” Isabella said. “If you come with the right attitude, it could substantially improve your life in the long run, while creating a better college experience in the short term.”