Henderson Behavioral Health allows students 10 free therapy sessions

By Ester Ferreira •

Amaya Allen, junior speech language pathology major, was hesitant as she made her first counseling session appointment last semester. Her family has never been open to therapy.

She knew she made the right decision as she walked out of her first session.

“My counselor was super sweet. She seemed very open, transparent and honest, which I really like,” Allen said. “I was super scared, but I know that I needed to do it myself and having someone that was a friendly face, a good listener and who wanted to help me was reassuring.”

Allen’s counseling session took place at the NSU Center for Student Counseling and Well-Being by Henderson Behavioral Health, which offers various mental health services for students. These include assessments, counseling sessions, consultations, psychiatric services, wellness and recovery education, and referrals.

Students can schedule appointments by calling the office or by completing the online registration on their website.

Counselors can help students navigate different circumstances, including test anxiety, stress management, relationship issues and substance abuse.

Suzelle Guinart, director for behavioral health services, has helped students at Henderson for 10 years.

“Henderson is definitely a place to come and explore thoughts, behaviors, feelings, or really to learn about oneself and obtain different skills and strategies to work toward what-ever their goals [are], may it be personal, academic or growth overall,” Guinart said.

NSU students have access to 10 counseling sessions per calendar year included in their tuition. They can also call the Henderson Counseling Services 24/7 hotline if they are going through a period of crisis or want to discuss an emergency.

“Students can call any-time and if there is an emergency situation, and we will respond to that,” Guinart said.

Henderson provides about 500 services per month, and there are always counselors available.

The office has been located on the third floor of the Student Affairs Building since 2019.

“We used to be located somewhere off campus previously to this location. Since we have been in this location on campus, we have had great feedback from the students,” Guinart said. “They all say it is more accessible but at the same time, it is still private.”

Allen said that having counseling available on campus has encouraged her to attend the sessions.

“Last year I did not have a car at all, so it made a huge difference, because I can just walk to the Student Affairs Building and it is super easy that way,” she said. “It is really convenient because a lot of people do live on campus. If you don’t live on campus, you have classes on campus. I honestly don’t think I would have done it if it was off campus.”

Henderson’s services are available for all NSU students for the entire academic year upon registration without extra costs.
Allen recommends other students take advantage of Henderson’s free services.

“I think it’s beneficial, even if you are doing well, to talk with someone,” Allen said. “That’s a huge opportunity to take advantage of even if you can’t go as consistently as you want. Even if you try and only do one, at least you can say you tried.”