Lyon College recently welcomed back Victoria Hutcheson to serve as the director of mental and behavioral health through a new collaborative mental health partnership with White River Health.
Hutcheson (pictured) graduated from Lyon College in 2019 with a degree in psychology and art, and she moved on to Florida State University where she obtained her master’s degree in art therapy. After earning her art therapy credentials, ATR-P, and becoming a Licensed Associate Counselor, LAC, Hutcheson began looking for places to make it count.
“When I was searching for careers as a teenager, I knew two things; that I loved art and wanted to help people,” said Hutcheson. “That is how I landed on art therapy. I get to help people express and process their emotions through artwork and that process is just amazing to me. I love seeing others’ creativity and expression.”
When a partnership opportunity between White River Health and Lyon College opened, she knew it was the position for her; it was time to return to Lyon.
Hutcheson said that even though it is a bit odd to roam the halls as a director now instead of as a student, it’s wonderful to be back on the campus that affected her so much as an undergraduate.
“Lyon impacted me immensely as a student,” she said. “I met my husband here, developed lifelong friends, and learned a lot about myself during my time. It really is a special place. The Lyon community is something you do not get everywhere.”
Hutcheson said she had a dream when she left Lyon, and that was to one day come back and be involved with mental health services.
“It is very surreal to me that it is happening so soon,” said Hutcheson.
But even though things are moving quickly, Hutcheson already has big plans in place for the department.
“I hope to build on the well-established structure that Diane Ellis set up for this Counseling Center,” said Hutcheson. “With this position, I not only am going to provide individual therapy to the students but I hope to incorporate monthly art therapy groups that focus on self-care, stress management, or other mental health topics.”
Hutcheson also plans to work with students and the Lyon community at large to help destigmatize mental health and make therapy a more socially accepted service. And through the partnership with White River Health, Hutcheson has plenty of tools to help make it happen.
“My position is a collaboration with White River Health, so while I am employed there, my job is to be on campus and provide the students with mental health services,” said Hutcheson.
She explained that the partnership allows her to utilize resources within White River Health such as the Behavioral Health Clinic, to expand on the already existing services that can be offered to students. Since White River Health also has a collaboration with UACCB, inter-collegiate networking will serve to reinforce the mental health resources and awareness throughout both communities.
“A main goal and priority for me are for every student, faculty, and staff member to recognize who I am and what I do,” said Hutcheson. “I would love for every student to know where my office is located and that they have the opportunity to receive free therapy services on campus. Getting the information on services offered out to students is going to be an important first step in decreasing stigma and improving mental health awareness.”
Hutcheson said that students are always welcome to stop by and make an appointment.
“It is important for them to know that you do not have to have a major life-altering event to attend therapy. You can be struggling with time management, academics, gaining social support, or just need someone to talk to about those frustrations you might have in life,” she said.
Students looking to reach out to Hutcheson can do so in a number of ways.
“They can always stop by the counseling center and speak to Chantel Jelks-Pitcock, our awesome administrative assistant, to set up an appointment,” said Hutcheson. “Students can also email me at victoria.hutcheson@lyon.edu or Chantel at chantel.jelks@lyon.edu.”
Students looking to make an appointment can find the Counseling Center on the first floor of Edwards Commons. The Counseling Center can also be reached at (870) 307-7277 or call (870) 307-7284 for Victoria Hutcheson’s office. Students and community members looking for more Counseling Center resources can find them at lyon.edu/counseling-center.
