News of changes to mental health services at Lethbridge College received mixed reviews from local counsellors in the community.
Beginning January, the college is eliminating its current counselling services and out sourcing to Shepell fgi.
The executive director of Public Relations and Communications at the College, Michel Béchard tells Global News the new support program means students will be able to access counselling over the phone and internet 24 hours a day every day of the year.
“Some students might prefer to have online services. There will be chat counselling, video counselling and offered at a time that might be more convenient for them,” he adds.
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The new program also means for the first time students studying at the college’s campuses outside of the city can also access the support.
Those in the industry like certified counselor at Crossroads Counselling, Ruth Bergen Braun, were surprised by the upcoming changes.
She says just because students might be more comfortable using technology to communicate, it doesn’t mean it offers the best form of counselling.
“Face to face. Human to human. Relationships, that’s what makes counselling work. The idea of doing crisis work online, I’m skeptical about it..because I relay so much on the feedback I get from their facial expressions and body language “ she adds.
One counsellor will remain on campus for face-to-face counselling but the four current staff will be laid off.
The move has also caught the eye of Lethbridge College’s Students Association.
Events and Communications Coordinator, Tanner Marcer, says they are worried about the transition period for students.
“Students who are seeing an actual counsellor right now will have a set back because they won’t necessary have that connection that they’ve established. Through a difficult time, leading into February, we’re worried that will have a negative impact,” he adds.
Officials say they will be continually accessing the changes and have the ability to bring in more staff during peak seasons if necessary.
The new support program will be up and running when students return to school in January, 2014.
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