The recent suicide of a 21-year-old male student at San Diego City College revealed not all students know where to get help when dealing with a crisis.

City College does offer help. Troubled students can receive free therapy at the Mental Health Counseling Center in room A-221. Services include crisis intervention and individual, couple’s and group counseling.

The center’s goal is to help students address a seemingly minor problem before it develops into a more serious issue.

In an email interview, Mental Health Coordinator Leslie Easton stressed the importance of treating mental illness early.

“We hope to get to students before they are in a crisis state, before they are overwhelmed, and help them to learn effective and preventative ways to manage life’s stressors,” Easton wrote.

The suicide on campus has prompted the Mental Health Counseling Center to spread awareness about its services.
“In the past week we have contacted all City College employees and provided a list of resources/groups locally available to anyone who has been affected by the news of one of our own taking his life,” Easton wrote.

“We have also been walking the campus with information and stress balls to let students know we are here and about the services we offer.”

For information or an appointment for mental health services, call 619-388-3539. For mental health emergencies, call the access line at 800-479-3339.

“If a student comes to us in crisis they are seen immediately,” Easton wrote. “There is not a waiting list here and there never has been.”