With the pressure of classes, exams, and the everyday stresses of college life, students are encouraged to take advantage of the free services at the Morrisville State College Health Center.

If students are feeling sick, down, or are in need of some medical help the Health Center has something to offer.

According to the Student Health Services website, the health center provides examinations, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-ups of many common heath problems ranging from stomach pains to anxiety and depression.

They work closely with Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton.

The center offers HIV and STD testing for students as well as pap smears and birth control, which can be purchased for a minimal price. They also provide condoms and the morning-after pill to students in need.

Counseling is also available by appointment. Students can work one-on-one with a professional or participate in group sessions.

"The counselors listen without passing judgment," said Patricia Samson, a Mental Health Counselor. "They help to identify painful or stressful feelings and thoughts."

Under most circumstances, issues are kept completely confidential. Information is shared only upon written request or in instances when students are thought to be harmful to themselves or others, or as mandated by law. Samson said the professional counselors can "neither confirm nor deny a student’s participation in the service."

"The counselors help students cope with new situations, everyday life, and are there to see the bigger picture," Samson said.

A Morrisville student who wanted to remain anonymous said, "Counseling helps a lot." The female student, who is scheduled to graduate in 2011, said the Health Center works with psychiatric nurses to diagnose disorders. "A disorder isn’t anything bad, it just means that something in your life is out of order," she said.

From her own experience the student said, "Counseling is nothing to be embarrassed about. Everyone needs somebody to talk to."

Resident Assistant Charlie Woznack, an automotive technology student who is scheduled to graduate in 2009, said, "Most students are unaware that counseling is even offered on campus."

The services are free to all Morrisville State College students. The center and resident assistants encourage students to take advantage of the free sessions.