Bakersfield College now has a licensed clinical social
worker able to provide therapy services to students experiencing
anxiety. Walter Nicholas’ services were made known
to the faculty at BC on Aug. 20.
Although these clinical counseling services have been
available since the beginning of May, not many students
were aware of them. Nicholas said that his services were
unadvertised during the spring; nevertheless, he has seen 10
to 15 students so far.
“The majority of them had challenges with stress, anxiety,
depression and relationships,” he said. “Helping our students
is a great feeling, and we are here to help.”
Nicholas obtained a master’s in social work from Cal
State-Fresno in 1971. He is currently retired and is working
nine hours per week at BC. His clinical counseling service
hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and from
12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays. He is located in the
Student Health Center, and students can either drop in during
these hours or call and make an appointment.
Every student who is registered and has paid the health
fees is entitled to 2 to 3 sessions with Nicholas; however, if a
student needs on-going therapy, he or she will be referred to
community resources.
“I think these services will benefit a lot of students, especially
at this time,” said Nicholas when questioned on how
he felt about clinical counseling services coming to BC.