Meet Skidmore’s new Counseling Center director, Robert Cardom

Q: When did you join Skidmore and what is your background and experience?

I started as director of the Counseling Center in January 2023. Much of my career has been in counseling centers of varying size and mission. Most recently, I was the assistant director for training at the University at Albany, where I trained therapists and folks working to become therapists.

Q: Why this role and why Skidmore?

I'm a first-generation college student. I know college opens a lot of doors, and some of the students who have the hardest time crossing the finish line in college are those who struggle with mental health and major life events during their time here. Helping people cope with what life throws at them and helping them get across that finish line can change lives. My favorite part about this work is supporting students so they are able to get the education they deserve, even as they navigate developing identities, difficult histories, and mental health challenges.

Also, hands down – the people. I was blown away by the staff, faculty, and students I met with during my campus interview. I wanted to be a part of team that helps this passionate, creative, and caring community function at its best.

Q: Tell us about the Counseling Center. How does it support Skidmore students?

We are here to support students with a variety of programs and through the compassionate care of our dedicated team.

Our highest priority is getting students the care they need, when they need it. Appointments are almost always available in less than a week, with an average wait time of one to two days! Skidmore students have access to eight free counseling sessions throughout the year as well as 12 free teletherapy sessions through our contract with therapists across the state of New York.

Students can come anytime they need to, even if it’s just for a one-time session; they don't have to sign up for a full regimen of therapy. Maybe they come back a week later, maybe they come back six months later — whatever works for them.

Skidmore also has access to some great campus partners that we can connect them to when appropriate. We work closely with Student Academic Services on academic challenges; we turn to the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life for spiritual support, Skidmore Mindfulness for meditation and mindfulness education, and Health Promotion for personalized wellness coaching and victim advocacy. Many of our referrals also come from faculty and staff, so it’s really a network of support.  

Our services are definitely not “one size fits all”: Our goal is to provide timely mental health care and education to students by creating a plan that works for the individual based on their specific needs. If a student needs specialized or more ongoing care, we help students connect with providers in the community who take their insurance.

Q: What are some of the common reasons students are seeking support at the Counseling Center?

Anxiety and depression are consistent as they are elsewhere in society. College is also a time focused on developing, defining, or discovering identity, and there are so many pressures and influences associated with that. So we often have students coming in for family issues around identity. Challenges could include changing passions or beliefs, or coming out as queer or transgender, or navigating race-based violence or trauma.

Q: What is a mental health challenge you’re working with students on that people may not expect?

The elephant in the room is COVID-19: The pandemic was really tough for a lot of people, even if they don't realize it. There was a lot of lost learning during COVID — not just academic, but also emotional development and social engagement.

COVID also exasperated many preexisting challenges like the growth of social media, texting, and other ways of interacting through technology. There are many benefits to social media and technology, especially for those of us in the LGBTQ+ community who find community and information. However, social media and technology have lessened opportunities to have those real, in-person relationships that are so powerful, especially in the teenage and young adult years.

Part of our response is inherent: At a small school, you truly have more opportunities to build deeper connections and relationships with people. At a larger school, it’s easier to get lost. But we’re also prioritizing connections and opportunities to rebuild what was lost. For example, the Counseling Center is working to put together groups and workshops to help with social issues like anxiety or loneliness to help students connect around shared struggles.

Q: What advice do you have for students who are struggling with their mental health?

It might be hard to make that first appointment, but we are here. Please, just show up. We try to make it as easy as we can. In non-emergency situations, we can usually get folks in within a day or two, which is not the case at most colleges across the country. Same‐day emergency appointments are always available. We are really accessible. As soon as someone can work up the nerve to come talk to us, or your friend offers to bring you, just do it, and then we'll take it from there.

Q: What are some opportunities you see for the Counseling Center in the future?

Increased collaboration, specifically building stronger relationships with student groups involved in health and wellness topics. Some of our most engaged students are doing great work around issues that affect a lot of our student body! To have their voices at the table offers a powerful tool in how we develop support for varying student perspectives and experiences. Together we can create a better plan than any of us could do alone.

Q: What does the development of the new McCaffery Wagman Health and Wellness Center mean to you?

It’s a major opportunity for collaboration and connection — to build those relationships I just mentioned.

I’ll try an analogy: Since joining Skidmore, I’ve learned that we have a great rowing team. And, when you’re on a team like that, rhythm is really important. You have to be close and synchronized to amplify your power and move in the right direction, together.

That’s how I see this new project and addition to campus. We will all be in the same space, working together, to address the same goal: improving the health and wellbeing of our entire community.

We will also have space dedicated to health and wellness programing, creating capacity for many of the programs we have in mind to impact larger groups of students.

Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?

I love karaoke! My favorite song to sing depends on how I'm feeling. If it's a diva night, I love “I have Nothing” by Whitney Houston. If I'm feeling more the crooner vibe, I'll go with “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé. I’d love to develop a new program at Skidmore, “Karaoke at the Counseling Center.” We’ll have to see if that idea catches on!

Q: And it’s not a Skidmore interview without asking “What does Creative Thought Matters mean to you?”

Creative thought, in my mind, is about breaking down the boxes in life. Allowing an array of beautiful spectrums within ourselves and granting ourselves, and others, the permission to not feel confined to one identity or feeling. I think that concept is a great piece of creative thought that matters.

I also believe our collective thought and input matter. We are strongest when all our voices and ideas are put into action. From my position as the Counseling Center director, I want my staff, the students, and collective Skidmore community to feel they can contribute to and give form to creative thought.