The most difficult challenges in college aren’t always academic. As stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns continue affecting students, Frederick Community College is encouraging students to use its free, confidential counseling and crisis support services, located in the Student Center in room H-103.
Each semester students are faced with the same factors for stress, whether it’s a big test, meeting new people, balancing work and school, or just adjusting to college life. According to FCC counselor Emily Gebhart, the emotional weight that students carry has grown heavier.
“We have students who are experiencing substantial impact on their day to day lives,” stated Gebhart. “So we see students who are coming for normal stressors and students who are coming because of the political climate and things that are going on that they feel like they need to process.”
In the fall of 2025, the counseling center saw around 200-250 students, each seeking support for a variety of reasons.
“So many of our students have a ton of responsibilities outside of just their academic responsibilities,” shared Gebhart. “Generally it’s like a culmination of stress that brings them in.”
To support students facing these challenges, the wellness center uses a short-term, solution- focused approach that gives students a chance to talk through what they’re thinking, build coping strategies, and stay grounded during the hard times of the semester.
Even with these services available, not many students reach out. Flyers, orientations, recruitment events, and even the center’s therapy dog, Diego, aren’t enough to get the word out. Gebhart says students often come in at the end of the semester shocked to learn the Zen Den and counseling services even exist.
While counselors see a wide range of concerns, reaching out for help isn’t always easy. Some students hesitate even when they know they’re struggling.
Confidentiality is also often a barrier that she hears often. “Students might not realize that if you’re 16 or older, HIPAA applies,” mentioned Gebhart. “We can’t share what we talk about in session outside of mandated reporting, so it can feel like it is not a safe place to talk about what is going on…we protect your information. We protect what it is you are talking about.”
The center’s goal is to make getting help feel easy and comfortable. They try to see students as soon as they can, and walk‑ins are always welcome.
“If you feel like you need to talk to someone, stop in, and see if either of us are available. A lot of times one of us is available pretty quickly,” shared Gebhart. “If not like immediately, then generally within the same day, and absolutely within two to three days.”
As the semester goes on, the wellness center hopes more students will take advantage of what is given to them, whether that means stopping in for a moment of calm, seeing a counselor, or simply learning that the space exists. Whether someone is dealing with ongoing challenges or just needs a quiet place to reset, the counselors are ready to help.
“We’re here,” Gebhart said. “And we genuinely want to help.”
Micah is currently a first year Dual Enrollment student at FCC. His interests include sports, movies and tv shows. He plans to major in Sports Journalism.