By Mia Dirito

BCC Wellness Center: From Acupuncture to STD Testing

No qualms about it: being a student can be stressful. For many students, not only accessing, but affording mental health care, is a challenge.

Help is available at the new Berkeley City College Wellness Center, located in room 203 in BCC’s South Campus at 2070 Allston Way.

Upon entry, you will find a table filled with informational pamphlets covering a variety of topics—from addiction to sexually transmitted disease prevention, to coping with grief and loss.

Just beyond the table is a closet-turned-sanctuary, available for prayer and meditation.

The diverse approaches to treating mental health include 6 sessions of talk therapy and 3 sessions of either acupuncture or massage therapy per semester, all for free.

“Community college is like a bridge, with people coming from all different backgrounds, and goals of going to all different places. I am glad we are here to help students cross this bridge,” said BCC Therapist Janine Greer, when asked what she loves about the Wellness Center.

Greer is available for drop-in sessions Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Beyond mental health, the BCC Wellness Center is a valuable source for physical exams and reproductive health services. Contraception, STD testing, pap smears, and pregnancy tests are all accessible for free to students. For more information or to make an appointment, call (510) 981-2919 or drop by room 203 at 2070 Allston Way.