A Timely Makeover
Student Health Center renovations near completion
A $1.1 million dollar renovation of the Student Health Services and Counseling Center building will be completed this spring. The facility, located on Stadium Road behind the Stony Brook Union, provides comprehensive health services for both medical and psychosocial issues.
“The renovation is going to allow students to engage in their care in an environment that matches the high quality of treatment provided,” said Julian Pessier, director, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). “The renovations send the message that Stony Brook values students’ growth and well being.”
Phase 1 renovations, which focused on the first floor and general health service areas, have already been completed. The upgrades included the creation of a warm and inviting lobby area featuring a fireplace, new front desk area, all-gender restrooms, a new pharmacy and lab facilities, a new nurse triage area and a nurses station, which includes a computer system that tracks progress of patients at the facility in real time.
Phase 2, now underway, focuses on the second floor, the home of CAPS. Counseling spaces are being updated and refurbished to create a more comfortable setting for students seeking help.
Through the PALS program, students interact with therapy dogs to help ease their stress.
“CAPS’ group therapy sessions expanded greatly on virtual platforms during the pandemic, and we are excited to bring these programs to a welcoming in-person space that highlights different resources and pathways to improved mental health, and personal and academic success,” Pessier said. “Pet Away Life Stress (PALS) is especially excited to expand its animal assisted interaction offerings in the renovated space.”
Part of the funding for the renovations came from a $200,000 grant secured by five SBU alumni who are currently serving in the New York State Assembly – Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie ’90 and Assembly members Steve Englebright ’75, Kimberly Jean-Pierre ’07, Latoya Joyner ’08 and Sarah Clark ’99.
“The Assembly Seawolf Team members have long been our champions,” said President Maurie McInnis. “This funding has helped us to deliver support and resources to our students, who have undergone a period of serious challenges and change over the past two years”
Assemblyman Englebright said it was his and his colleagues’ privilege to support a project designed to enhance counseling and healing services for Stony Brook students. “This visionary project will renovate and enable continued use of one of Stony Brook’s original historic buildings while also creating an environment that will be especially nurturing to students who are adjusting to the complex pressures of their academic and personal growth,” he said.