Kevin Strong-Holte
News Reporter

Stress impinges on every students’ life. It starts with the bitter coffee in the morning and ends with the salty ramen eaten right before the sun rises. Class, work, homework, sports, extracurricular activities and even relaxing has become a structured activity. Students have learned that the human body will recover if one just gives it time, but the mind often takes more than just some rest to get back to feeling 100 percent.
Behavioral Clinic Services, owned and operated by Dr. Tom Curtin, Ph.D., offers counseling services to Mesa State Students free of charge. Dr. Curtin has been a licensed psychologist for nearly 15 years.
“Any student that wants to come for counseling can just call and make an appointment with our receptionist,” Dr. Curtin said. “We are often busy, but if students just stop by we can usually fit them in somewhere.”
In addition to providing private help to students, Behavioral Clinic Services hosts workshops on campus during the year that deal with common student issues such as school and relationship problems to more serious topics such as substance abuse and depression. BCS has provided internships and practicum positions to psychology majors at Mesa State in the past and encourages student interest for next semester.
Though often overlooked by students, stress and mental instability can present serious health concerns.
“Life experiences, conflicts, confusion — we try to provide general support for everything students tend to go through. They usually know when they need help, but seeking it is often the hardest part,” said Dr. Curtin.
Students who come to BCS will receive counseling from the same counselor from their first day there, unless they request a change.
“We feel it’s necessary to establish a relationship between the patient and the doctor,” said Dr. Curtin. “If he or she is just bouncing around our office, it’s difficult for them really feel comfortable.”
BCS maintains the professional standards of any medical organization. “Students who come here will find safety, security, and confidentiality,” said Dr. Curtin.
Any student interested in Behavioral Clinic Services can call for an appointment at 241-6500. Normal hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m., but in an emergency a counselor may be reached anytime by dialing a “1” after their regular number.
BCS is located across the street from the football stadium. Their address is 1005 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

kstrongh@mesastate.edu