T-R PHOTO BY ANNA SHEARER Professor Nancy Adams looks at records in her office on Monday, where students can come for counseling sessions.

College can be a difficult time for many, as students juggle classes, work and other responsibilities. Mental health is often put at the end of a long list of priorities.

The Student Assistance Program — a counseling service offered by Marshalltown Community College — may be the solution to the problem for some students.

According to Nancy Adams, a professor of psychology at MCC and a licensed school psychologist, “Mental health is no less important, perhaps more so, than physical health.”

Adams, along with Nick Calzada, a licensed independent social worker with Center Associates, Inc., offer counseling sessions at MCC. The program is partly funded by the college’s Student Senate.

The Student Assistance Program is designed for short-term help, usually one to four sessions. If it is determined that more counseling would be beneficial, the counselor will discuss other options with students. Adams calls their approach “short-term solution focused.”

This service has been offered for approximately 15 years, and this is Adams’ 13th year.

The number of counseling-seeking students who walk through the door of room 211 varies depending on the time of year, but Adams said they usually have around eight first-timers come each month.

She said they help students with a large range of situations and mental health concerns. Some common ones are anxiety, depression and homesickness. Many students also seek help with balancing their many responsibilities — such as working jobs and raising children.

“There’s almost nothing we haven’t seen come through the door,” Adams said.

She noted that many referrals are “friend-based,” with students encouraging their friends to use the program.

It can be hard for many to get the help they need because their insurance does not cover it. This is not an issue, however, with the Student Assistance Program, as the sessions come free of charge.

“Most of the challenges or barriers that some people face in going to get support — they don’t exist here,” Adams said.

The stigma surrounding mental health problems can also be a barrier. Adams said she has noticed an increased willingness from people to ask for help, but she recognizes that it is still a challenge for some.

“People talk about their feelings now more readily,” Adams said. “It still is difficult for some to come get support and I understand that, but I also believe that asking for help is the first step in moving towards getting better. I believe that the best life for people is worth pursuing.”

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Contact Anna Shearer at 641-753-6611 or ashearer@timesrepublican.com