"...On the staff page for the Student Health Center, only 46 employees are listed as Counseling and Wellness workers. Of these, 34 service the New York campus, while the rest work at abroad sites. Of those listed as working in New York, only five are certified psychiatrists and only seven are certified psychologists. When considering that the majority of cases involving mental health issues require individual care, there appears to be a problem for students at NYU in need of immediate aid" (Nina Golshan, Dan Moritz-Rabman, NYU News).

http://www.nyunews.com/2014/02/28/golshanmoritzrabson/

If each of the 40,000 students enrolled globally (nyu.edu) were to see a mental health professional, the ratio of professionals to students would be 1 to roughly 870.

"NYU prides itself on its Wellness Exchange and counseling services, but walk into the Wellness Center on any given day, and you will find yourself waiting anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour to see a counselor — and that’s only after you’ve filled out a mountain of paperwork. Speak to a counselor about your issues and you will receive sympathetic nods, a few smiles and the recurring phrase, “I understand.” Now, it merits recognition that not all counselors are created equal, but the lack of effective health care for the struggling verges on the absurd. NYU Wellness seems to operate on the mantra that a student must make a conscious, devoted effort in order to receive help. Those struggling with suicide, however, are often the last to come forward of their own free will. In a university as large as NYU, where many students feel like nothing more than a number, it is imperative that there exists a better and more comprehensive infrastructure for support." (Emma Dolhai, NYU News)

http://www.nyunews.com/2012/09/27/dolhai-2/

Out of 5 certified psychiatrists, not one is a person of color. With NYU's diverse student population, how can such an important aspect as cultural identification be ignored?

"African Americans are less likely to receive diagnoses and treatments for their mental illnesses. ...African Americans are more likely to manifest physical illnesses related to mental health. Asian American and Pacific Islanders show higher levels of depressive symptoms than Caucasians.

However, the word “depression” does not exist in certain Asian languages. Suicide rates are high among Asians, particularly older women and young women. Latinos are identified as a high risk group for depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Women are more likely to experience a major depressive episode. Latina teenage girls have more depressive symptoms than that of African American or Caucasian girls and the rate of attempted suicide is higher as well. American Indian and Alaska Natives express symptoms of depression much differently. Access to
services is very low with individuals having a negative opinion of non-Indian health services providers and
thus utilizing more traditional healing methods." (PBS.org)

http://www-tc.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/depression/pdf/dep_color.pdf

"University students are masters at acting; they know that in order to be socially accepted they must put on a happy face. Maybe it is time for a more open dialogue about mental illness and suicide — not just at NYU, but at universities across the country. And the universities themselves must facilitate this dialogue instead of simply turning the other way and installing suicide bars" (Dolhai)

Admittedly, installing bars on windows is cheaper than hiring new staff, but aren't our lives worth it? For some, the Wellness Center at "a private university in the public service" is their only choice.  

Tentative Demands:
1) Adequate, appropriate care for each student
2) Diverse, experienced therapists

3) Half of Psychiatrists must identify as People of Color