Campus mental health officials have responded to a steady increase of students seeking psychological counseling by opening an evening drop-in clinic in the University Union.

The services aim to help students develop coping skills, according to Director of Psychological Counseling, Equilla Luke.

“We have expanded our services to meet student needs,” said Luke. “The slots keep filling up.”

A lawsuit filed last month by the parents of a student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology who committed suicide has focused media attention on mental health issues of college students, she said.

“Many times people do not know they?re vulnerable,” said Luke. Mild or moderate depression or anxiety may become evident because of the complex lives students lead and the multiple hats they wear, she said.

Many Sac State students combine work with a demanding class schedule and study time. Striving to achieve specific career goals, along with learning how to be on their own and forming good social relationships make the lives of 18- 24-year-old students hectic and challenging, Luke said.

Reduced earnings, juggling family responsibilities and commuting are often issues that concern older students, according to Luke. Being a student can add stress to relationships.

“We believe that if students come to us when they?re having some difficulties, it?s better. We don?t want them to wait until they can?t see any way out,” she said.

“Typically a student comes to us because they?re struggling with academics, have poor concentration and trouble eating and sleeping. They don?t know what the problem is. They might be irritated, agitated or have trouble speaking up for themselves. Instead of just saying, ?Oh, this is just the way I am,? we can help them determine whether they have a problem or not,” Luke said.

Student health fees paid by all students at registration cover short-term counseling. Individual needs determine the number of times a student sees a therapist and referrals are made for longer therapy.

“You can come and talk about the frustrations in your life rather than screaming at someone,” said Luke.

Government major Sarah Nelson said she would use the counseling services if she felt too stressed, although she hadn?t known that the services were available to students.

“I think most people would see it as something a healthy person would do,” she said. “I wouldn?t consider it weird.”

The Union clinic is open Monday-Thursday, 4:45-6:30 p.m. No appointment is neccessary.