Marywood’s Psychological Services Center and the Counseling/Student Development Center will host their annual anxiety screening event from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in McGowan Center, on February 2. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about stress and to help those who may feel its effects.
“In a study of over 10 thousand adolescents, published last year in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, it was found that close to one out of three teenagers suffer from a diagnosable anxiety disorder,” explained Dr. David J. Palmiter, professor of psychology and director of the Psychological Services Center.
Palmiter further explained that although anxiety disorders are certainly not uncommon, “research indicates that only a small minority of those suffering from anxiety get effective care.”
These annual screenings, which have been going on since 1999, are free, confidential, efficient and brief. Participants individually fill out a quick screening form, which is then evaluated. Upon evaluation, students meet individually with a staff member during a one-on-one interview.
“The interview can be as brief or as involved as the person would like,” said Palmiter. Through the interviews, students can gain insight on whether they may benefit from more extensive use of the counseling center through individual counseling or group counseling sessions. They can also obtain any additional information that may be of help to them through the stressful college years.
“During my freshman year here I attended the anxiety screening solely to fulfill an extra credit assignment for a psychology class, however, I found the screening extremely helpful and it led me to setting up weekly counseling sessions, which have really helped me work through any daily stresses I might have,” said junior Katelyn Thompson, “Had I not attended, I do believe that perhaps I wouldn’t have even considered making use of the counseling center. I truly believe that it is such a great program which everyone should take advantage of.”
Dr. Palmiter concluded by saying that the screenings are not only completely confidential, but the counselors “try to make everyone who comes feel attended to, heard and valued.”