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Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

The Emerson Wellness Center entrance located on the third floor of 216 Tremont Street.

A look inside the Emerson Wellness Center

By Nia Harmon / December 11, 2022

Adjusting to a college campus leads to lifestyle changes for many students. When introduced to a new diet, communal living spaces, and a host of other...

Emerson's Center for Health and Wellness will merge with its Center for Psychological Services. Photo by Maddie Khaw.

ECAPS and CHW continue merging process, seek suggestions for naming new department

By Maddie Khaw / April 13, 2022

When Brendan Walker reached out to Emerson’s Counseling and Psychological Services as a first-year student, he was connected with a counselor within...

SGA members in a meeting.

SGA discusses CHW-ECAPS merger

By Vivi Smilgius / December 1, 2021

The Student Government Association met with Associate Dean and Director of Counseling, Health and Wellness Brandin Dear on Nov. 5 to discuss the integration...

The grim realities of mental health

The grim realities of mental health

By Sophia Pargas / September 16, 2021

September, also known as National Suicide Prevention month, is a time when organizations, communities, and survivors rally to raise awareness and share...

The offices of Emerson Counseling and Psychological Services.

Students’ mental health struggles persist as pandemic drags on

By Ann E. Matica and Frankie Rowley / March 18, 2021

Trigger Warning: Mentions of mental health issues and suicide.  Students are continuing to struggle with their mental health one year into living through...

Connection and communication issues stemming from Zoom discussions trigger the disorder’s inability to regulate emotions more easily, leading to frustration and anger that can last the whole day, no matter how minor the issue. The cruel irony is that the more I think about how I need to pay attention, the less I actually pay attention.

Students deserve a break now more than ever

By Editorial Board / March 11, 2021

After living through a pandemic for the past year, most of us are exhausted. The extended hours of screen time, lack of contact with friends and family,...

People walking on Boylston Street.

With spring break canceled, students express burnout fears

By Alec Klusza / February 25, 2021

As the college nears its would-be spring break, some students worry about the mental and academic burnout that might accompany more than three consecutive...

Brandin Dear, associate dean & director of counseling, health, wellness.

Former Harvard clinician Brandin Dear to head merger of counseling, health, and wellness offices

By Ann E. Matica / February 18, 2021

Brandin Dear, who filled the newly minted position of associate dean and director of counseling, health, and wellness earlier this month, will spearhead...

Valentina Amaro holds up a #ThisIsEmerson sign during the walk out.

Emerson administration, faculty, and staff respond to Emerson Students of Color Week of Action demands

By Ann E. Matica and Diti Kohli / February 14, 2021

Emerson administrators said they would meet with students of color virtually in an effort to create a more equitable environment in an email sent on Feb....

Monday was the first of Emerson's Counseling and Psychological Services' three planned workshops on mental health in student athletes during the pandemic.

New event series aims to help student athletes grappling with mental health during COVID

By José Ríos / February 4, 2021

With the fall and winter sports season canceled and the future of the spring uncertain, Emerson Counseling and Psychological Services partnered with the...

Starting college during the pandemic takes a toll on mental health

Starting college during the pandemic takes a toll on mental health

By Shannon Garrido / January 24, 2021

Moving onto campus for the first time as a freshman is daunting. Stepping out of your comfort zone while meeting new people from different backgrounds...

A sign point to a polling place in Boston City Hall on Election Day Nov. 3

Stressed about the election? Here are some resources that can help

By Lucia Thorne, Assistant Lifestyle Editor / November 3, 2020

There’s a reason why Google posted a breathing exercise video to its Twitter account.  As the end of Election Day nears, political anxiety is much...

The Emerson Counseling and Psychological Services office in the Union Bank Building.

As pandemic drags on, students struggle with mental health

By Ann E. Matica / October 27, 2020

At Emerson Counseling and Psychological Services, the mental toll of the pandemic on students has become abundantly clear.  Statistics provided by...

As a student with a history of suicidal thoughts, I posed a liability to the school. But when these issues arise, the college should handle them with more flexibility and compassion.

Emerson made me fight for the mental health care I needed. But I shouldn’t have had to

By Cat Bixler / September 29, 2020

*Content Warning: This article heavily references suicide and depression.  The American Psychiatric Association defines mental illness as a medical...

Increase transparency surrounding Section 12 hospitalization

Increase transparency surrounding Section 12 hospitalization

By Thomas Akiona / January 26, 2020

“You’re being held on Section 12 involuntary hospitalization," the psychiatrist said in a calm and collected manner, seemingly unfazed by the...

Vice President for Equity and Social Justice Sylvia Spears.

Spears recognizes statistical discrepancies in Clery Report

By Belen Dumont / September 26, 2019

The Emerson College Police Department released the college’s annual Clery Report on Wednesday, which a college official said provides an incomplete picture...

Professors should highlight the services at ECAPS at the beginning of the semester. / Illustration by Ally Rzesa

Op-ed: Professors should emphasize ECAPS on day one

By Isabella Pelletiere / September 20, 2018

I felt confused and lonely after I missed a week of class due to suicidal thoughts. When I explained my situation to the counselors at Emerson Counseling...

LETTER: Elise Harrison responds to "ECAPS overwhelmed by student demand"

LETTER: Elise Harrison responds to “ECAPS overwhelmed by student demand”

By Letter to the editor / April 27, 2018

Letter to the Editor from Elise Harrison, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services I would like to clarify several things in the article about...

Director of Intercultural Student Affairs Tamia Jordan handles name and gender changes on file for students. Beacon Archives

Intercultural Student Affairs emcees hip-hop month

By Grace Griffin / April 19, 2018

At age 14, Elmer Martinez started dancing in Lowell’s underground hip-hop scene. He said hip-hop influenced his upbringing, and he saw a lack of that...

The Emerson Counseling and Psychological Services Office in the Union Bank Building.

ECAPS overwhelmed by student demand

By Maya Gacina / April 5, 2018

Freshman Lia Kim applied to Emerson in part because she heard the campus had less stigma around mental health. She said her family is Korean-American,...