Valeria de Miguel Melo
Managing Editor
Balancing students’ academic and personal life can be overwhelming. As students strive to excel in tests, participate in club activities, meet assignment deadlines, explore the world around them and maintain important relationships, they may find themselves in need of additional support. Recognizing this, the Broward College administration has taken the initiative to provide students with the extra aid they deserve by welcoming therapists to each campus and even offering an online alternative. The Observer newspaper had the pleasure of interviewing therapist Melanie Gnaizda-Gilson about the Broward College Therapist and My College Doctor Online programs.
The programs are part of the student mental health office and offer unlimited sessions with a licensed therapist to any currently enrolled Broward College student. When asked about the program’s purpose, Gnaizda-Gilson said, “[The purpose is to] support our students who are experiencing mental health challenges and, you know, hopefully ultimately help them stay in class, complete their degree and be able to learn some coping strategies that will help them in their future.”
There are two programs available, both free and unlimited. For those who prefer in-person therapy sessions, therapists are stationed at each Broward College campus. To make an appointment, students can visit www.broward.edu/mentalhealth and fill out the appointment request form, which is in the Broward College Therapist tab. The form requires the student’s name, email address, BC ID, and some preparatory questions to help personalize the session. The second option is designed for students who prefer online sessions or have limited time during the day. Students can access the My College Doctor website through a link under the Broward College Therapist tab. To activate their account, students must provide their BC ID and enter “navbrowardcollege2024” as the group name. Once activated, students can choose from over 100 licensed therapists to address their specific needs.
For immediate support, students can call 833-398-0805, available 24/7. Additionally, Broward College offers walk-in appointments with therapists, though availability may be limited due to prior bookings. The hotline ensures that help is accessible at all times.
Gnaizda-Gilson shared that her typical day consists of 6-7 appointments, each lasting between 45 and 50 minutes. Her passion for helping others began in high school, where she served as the president of service clubs that organized beautification events and book drives. After becoming a peer counselor, she realized her love for making mental health services more accessible and pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a master’s in counseling and a state therapist license. “I always wanted to help people get through challenges. I’m a problem solver, empathetic and a good listener. Those characteristics can help you be a good therapist,” Gnaizda-Gilson said. Her favorite aspect of the Broward College Therapist and My College Doctor Online programs is that they make it easier for every student to receive care without fear of judgment.
Understanding the stress that exams and assignments can cause, the Observer asked Gnaizda-Gilson for tips on reducing anxiety. Her primary advice for test preparation is to study as thoroughly as possible, as anxiety often stems from a lack of preparation. She also recommends engaging in positive self-talk to avoid negativity and practicing breathing exercises before a stressful assignment or test.
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of strength. Broward College has shown genuine care and concern for its students’ mental well-being by implementing programs that allow thousands of students to access crucial healthcare.
cutline: Photo courtesy of Bridging Cultural Gaps (BCG)
