For many people suffering from depression, anxiety or relationship problems, sometimes it feels as if there is nowhere to turn. At CU-Boulder, faculty, students and staff who feel they may need therapy can contact the Raimy Psychology Clinic.

Founded in 1960 and located in the Muenzinger Psychology building, the clinic operates as a training facility for advanced graduate students in the clinical psychology doctoral program. Each year 16 to 20 graduate students work at the clinic under the supervision of licensed clinical psychologists from CU or the local community.

"A large percentage of our clients are people who don't have insurance and can't afford treatment, or don't want to go through their insurance," said Emily Richardson, a clinical neuropsychologist and the associate director of the clinic. "We are one of the few places in Boulder County that offers this kind of service at a low fee."

People seeking treatment for depression are the clinic's most common patients. Nationally, it's estimated that at least 10 percent of the population each year suffers from clinical depression, of which little over half receive treatment, according to Richardson.

"One of the big reasons we believe people don't seek treatment is there is still a stigma about depression, and people also feel they can overcome it on their own," Richardson said.

"The truth is depression causes a great deal of pain and suffering and numerous studies have shown that it is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality," she said. "In addition to people who commit suicide because of depression, there is also high rates of heart disease and other health problems in people who are depressed and don't receive treatment. So there are a number of reasons why it's important to identify and treat depression."

To be diagnosed as depressed, a person has to exhibit either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in their usual activities, and then have at least four additional symptoms, according to Richardson.

Symptoms vary from person to person. (see sidebar)

"If somebody feels they need therapy and are interested in coming to the clinic, they should call the intake coordinator who can discuss the treatment options," Richardson said.

The Raimy Psychology Clinic provides services for people with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders and relationship issues, and is also open to the Boulder community.

About half of its clients are CU-Boulder students, staff and faculty. Its services are offered on a sliding fee scale, with students paying a $15 hourly fee, while faculty and staff receive a 50 percent discount.

For more information about the clinic or to set up an appointment contact Natalie Whiteford, the intake coordinator, at 2-5177 or visit the website.

Thursday, Oct. 5 was National Depression Screening Day.