Overseeing the White Oak Bayou and the Sciences and Technology Building, the new Joshua Nadelbach’s bench on campus adds a much-needed sight dedicated to raising awareness on sui-cide prevention and mental health resources.
“This bench represents resources and hope for the community surrounding suicide awareness and mental health,” said Naomi Ber-ger- Perez, the director of UHD Counseling Services. The bench was donated by Cindy Nadelbach, the mother of Joshua Nadelbach, who lost his battle with de-pression.
Nadelbach started the non-profit organization, Josh’s Benches, in Josh’s honor to help raise awareness for those dealing with mental health challenges.
UHD held a dedication ceremony for the new Joshua Nadelbach bench on April 6. The bench calls viewers to dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, “if you’re in crisis and want to talk.”
“It’s great to talk as talk-ing helps spread awareness,” said Tim Coulter, a licensed professional counselor at UHD Counseling Services. “My hope is that the bench can be a reminder to all of us that the lives of those around us are important.”
With mental health at the forefront during Mental Health Awareness Month, UHD Counseling Services invites Gators to take advan-tage of the free and confi-dential counseling sessions available.
“Crisis support via phone is also available during business hours by dialing 713-221-8121. “The counseling services team is here to support you,” Berger-Perez said.
“Our office is free from judgement and is a safe place.” In addition to the one-onone therapy sessions, free confidential group sessions are held via GatorSUPPORT Groups for enrolled students.
“Normalize asking for help,” Coulter added. “When I encourage students to use our services, I focus on building a connection, remain engaging, be accepting, meeting them where they are, and speak in a way that doesn’t overcomplicate the process or make therapy seem like a different language.”
Enrolled students interested in counseling services may schedule a recurring one-hour session conducted in-person, by phone or video conference, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or fill out the intake form on UHD Counseling Services’ webpage.
