When students turn to Ohio State’s Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) for help with mental health, they often seek quick support and a welcoming environment. However, that’s not always the reality.
Take Kylie Stuart, a second-year strategic communication major. She reached out to CCS in fall 2025, hopeful for a swift appointment. After waiting for her initial visit, her first session left her feeling positive. But scheduling follow-up appointments became a challenge. When her counselor canceled, she learned that no new slots were available for another month.
“They couldn’t reschedule me for another month,” Kylie said, expressing frustration at the lack of availability. “I felt stuck.”
Harry Warner, associate director of CCS, acknowledges the high demand. Although he can’t specify how many students seek help, he knows the resources are often stretched thin. CCS focuses on brief therapy, which means it aims to provide effective support for common issues like stress and relationship problems.
“College is fun but stressful,” Warner said. “We see a surge in students seeking help, especially during exams.”
Despite her scheduling issues, Kylie appreciated the quality of her first appointment, describing her counselor as “great.” However, the wait times for subsequent sessions made it hard to build on that initial progress.
Warner emphasized that CCS is a starting point for mental health support. They strive to guide students to other resources when they’re overwhelmed. For urgent needs, CCS can connect students to the Wexner Medical Center for immediate care.
Yet, students like Kylie sometimes feel lost in the process. She pointed out a lack of clarity regarding CCS’s availability and resources. “I was often redirected to outside services,” she noted.
Kylie also shared her frustrations with the screening process. She had to complete two virtual assessments before scheduling an appointment, which felt repetitive.
Warner explained that these initial screenings help match students to the right counselor. He assured that students could seek help immediately using CCS’s “Let’s Talk” service or make same-day calls if they need urgent support.
While CCS aims to provide timely assistance, the reality is that demand outweighs availability. This situation is not unique to Ohio State; many universities face similar struggles. According to a survey by the American College Health Association, 36% of college students report feeling so depressed that it was difficult to function, a stark reminder of the mental health crisis facing young adults today.
Kylie believes CCS should consider increasing their staff to better meet students’ needs. “There are plenty of students wanting help; they just need more support.”
Reflecting on her therapy experiences, Kylie feels that building a consistent relationship with a therapist is challenging when appointments are spaced out or rescheduled. “By the time I had my next appointment, I’d forget what we talked about,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of regular sessions for progress.
In conclusion, while CCS offers valuable services and support, students seeking mental health care may need to be prepared for delays. Kylie encourages those with non-urgent needs to utilize the free resource but notes it’s essential to be aware of potential wait times.
Warner invites all students to reach out, emphasizing the service’s commitment to helping at any stage. Just remember, if you or someone you know is in crisis, immediate resources are available: call 911, or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
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