Students at both Tarleton State University and McLennan Community College have a new resource available thanks to the opening of a Counseling Center in Waco. The center, which opened to the public on Jan. 23, provides free counseling services to students from both campuses. Referrals for patrons who require services beyond those provided by the center are also available.

Counseling is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays. The staff includes professionally licensed members of both Tarleton and MCC faculty who are prepared to provide assistance to anyone who needs help coping with the stress that comes from attending college.

“This is a much needed service,” said clinic director Dr. Allison Stewart, who oversees the daily operations of the center. “Many [students] do not have the means to pay for personal counseling, but they have significant personal needs and stressors that interfere with their academics and quality of life,” she said.

According to Stewart, Tarleton is very excited to provide its students with a resource to help them cope with various issues, ranging from homesickness and depression to academic and financial stress. The opening of the clinic should be extremely beneficial to both campuses and help lead students to developing a more positive outlook on the many difficult situations they will experience in college.

Dr. Kimberly Rynearson, assistant vice president of outreach and off campus programs at Tarleton, said “the new Counseling Center… is a huge step forward in terms of extending our reach in a new way. The center should reach a greater number of students on both campuses and help create a safe environment for students to deal with their problems.”

Students who wish to receive personal counseling from the new center should contact the Counseling Center at (254)-299-8210. Calling ahead for an appointment is recommended.