A Focus on Mental Health

The University Counseling Center, headed by Julio Brionez, offers students free confidential services.

By Micaela Myers

Today, surveys show that a majority of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental-health problem. If not treated, these challenges can harm college success and completion. To meet the mental-health needs of students, the University of Wyoming University Counseling Center offers individual sessions as well as groups and workshops at no cost to enrolled students. Common issues that bring students to the center include anxiety, depression, academic and social concerns, identity and acculturation issues, suicide ideation, and trauma. Students can choose to be seen in person or via videoconferencing.

After working at the center for five years, Julio Brionez took over as director this past summer. Brionez earned his Ph.D. from the University of North Dakota and previously served as the center’s assistant director.

“I love working with students, and the challenge of something new drew me to the position,” he says. “I love the opportunity to provide therapy to students who may not otherwise have access.”

Brionez encourages students to reach out to the center with any and all concerns, even if it’s a general mental health check-in. “We are a free resource that’s confidential where you can talk to a trained counselor about life’s challenges,” he says.

Same-day and same-week appointments are often available, and crisis intervention services are offered during business hours. Groups and workshops cover topics such as self-love and happiness, body positivity, mindfulness, and anxiety and depression. The center is also home to UW’s alcohol prevention program AWARE (Alcohol Wellness Alternatives, Research, and Education) and partners on the Gatekeepers Suicide Prevention Training, which teaches UW and community members to identify students at risk for suicide.

In addition to a team of trained therapists, the center is home to a therapy dog and counseling interns. Brionez says that, in addition to helping students, his favorite aspect of working at UW is the passionate employees: “Everyone I’ve worked with at UW really wants to see students succeed. I love people’s work ethic here. They really want to ride for the brand.”