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Goodland Regional Medical Center and Northwest Tech are pleased to announce the launch of free on-campus counseling services that will be available to Northwest Tech students.
In the new partnership, the hospital will provide counseling services via certified counselors Hal McNerney, LMSW, LMAC, who will be the primary counselor, and Laci Leichliter, LSCSW. The counseling office has been established on campus in the Murray Center and will provide counseling resources, initially, for two afternoons each week.
“We are excited about being able to partner with the hospital to utilize local resources to solve an important campus need for our students,” said Northwest Tech President Ben Schears. “We have students who will benefit from ongoing counseling as well as for those who have life events that crop up and simply need someone to talk to.”
Dr. Ron Robinson, CEO at Goodland Regional Medical Center commented, “GRMC’s partnership with NWKTC to deliver affordable counseling services to students in need is an excellent example of what we can achieve when we align our efforts between community organizations.”
The counseling office is a resource that provides a professional, safe, confidential atmosphere where students can discuss academic and personal issues. This service will be available to assist students with a variety of concerns including but not limited to, homesickness, relationship issues, substance use, and depression.
“During the five years I have worked at Goodland Regional Medical Center, we have noticed an increasing number of referrals from students at NWKTC for behavioral health services. However, many of these students are unable to obtain the services as they lack the financial resources and sometimes transportation to get to and from appointments,” commented Laci Leichliter, LSCSW. “This partnership allows us to better meet the needs of students and, in turn, assist in preparing them for life after graduation.”
Numerous industry studies show that depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns are on the rise on college campuses across the nation. The new partnership provides an outlet for students to cope with the situations they are encountering, while also making good use of a fee-for-service partnership between the two organizations. “We are both rural organizations and we face many of the same challenges,” said Schears. “It just makes good sense to see where we can work together to benefit the organizations and students.”
“I am truly excited to have this opportunity to help develop this role to provide additional supports to the students at NWKTC. It comes about from the common mission to support the needs of the area including the students through healthy collaboration among organizations,” commented Hal McNerney, LMSW, LMAC.
The counseling office is located in the Murray Center. Students can make an appointment by stopping in, emailing counselor@nwktc.edu, or calling (785) 890-1534. This service is provided to students at no cost.
Students are top priority at Northwest Tech, and these services will help to ensure their health and safety.
In the event that a concern is urgent, or you are feeling suicidal, you are encouraged to walk in and see the next available counselor. To reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, call 800-273-8255 or go to the Emergency Room.
