CONNECTING STUDENTS TO MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS CAN BE INTIMIDATING, BUT BEING ABLE TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING CAN MAKE IT FEEL LESS SCARY.

-NIEBRUGGE

Lake Land College partnered with the online counseling platform BetterMynd in December 2020 to offer students access to online sessions with a diverse network of licensed mental health counselors.

Since BetterMynd’s launch with Lake Land, more than 103 students have registered on the platform, and 253 sessions have been conducted.

“It’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed and stressed,” said Counselor for Student Accommodations and Mental Health Initiatives Amber Niebrugge.

Some of the mental health and wellness issues students have been able to discuss and receive support for include depression, general and social anxiety, relationship issues, academic concerns, LGBTQ+ issues, eating disorders, PTSD and more.

Through the partnership, each student can access up to six free online therapy sessions each year on the BetterMynd platform. These live video sessions are private, confidential and can take place from the convenience of a laptop or a smartphone. After the first six free sessions, students have the option to continue with the same therapist by either paying out of pocket or via insurance.

“Overall BetterMynd has been super easy and convenient,” one student said. “I’ve been able to talk about some issues I’ve been struggling with for a while.”

On a scale from 1-10, Lake Land students rated their overall BetterMynd experience an 8.8, and they each rated their counselor an average of 9.1.

Students must register with their Lake Land College email address to utilize BetterMynd mental health support and counseling services. Registration generates a BetterMynd portal where students can access services and information. After the initial registration, students will be able to log in to their BetterMynd portal directly from the BetterMynd site.

For more information about BetterMynd and the other mental health resources Lake Land College has available visit lakelandcollege.edu/mental-healthresources or contact Niebrugge at 217-234-5259 or aniebrugge71503@lakelandcollege.edu.

FAMILIAR FACE NEW POSITION

Niebrugge

Amber Niebrugge recently took on a new position as the counselor for student accommodations and mental health initiatives.

Formerly the director of TRIO Student Support Services, Niebrugge will now be coordinating academic support services for students who are eligible for accommodations as well as coordinating mental health interventions and programming to support students who are experiencing mental health challenges. “Being able to have a conversation and help others become aware of the resources available to them goes a long way,” Niebrugge said. “My goal is for everyone to be able to talk about mental health just like physical health. Some mental health concerns can be intimidating, but being able to talk about something can make it feel less scary.”

Niebrugge assists with crisis counseling, short-term support, on campus and community referrals and information about BetterMynd, though she emphasized that all Counseling Services faculty and staff are available to assist students in these instances. She is also an advisor to the Active Minds Club, which will allow students to receive education on how to mentor and support others. “I have a passion to spread awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding these mental health issues,” Niebrugge said. “I want to help students and other people in our community develop a better understanding of these topics.”