The Psychological Counseling Center offers students psychological assessment, counseling, crisis intervention and referrals. All services are offered at no cost.
While college life can be an exciting time, it can also be stressful. If you feel that the demands of college are overwhelming and you begin to feel too stressed, or perhaps personal problems are interfering with your academics, then counseling may be helpful to you. For many students, addressing academic, social or emotional issues effectively enhances their ability to do better in school.
What kinds of problems are appropriate to discuss with a Psychological Counselor? The answer is: anything that is a concern for you. Some of the issues that concern students include:
When you meet your counselor for the first time (also considered the assessment) you will have an opportunity to discuss what brought you to counseling and what you are feeling. You and your counselor will talk about what is the best plan for you. Depending on the type and complexity of the problem, you may be referred for counseling on campus or to a therapist, mental health center or hospital off-campus.
Counseling services are private and confidential. No one outside the center is informed that you have come to us for help, unless you give us written consent. Counseling is not part of your academic record.
What are the exceptions to confidentiality? Information shared by you will not be disclosed to anyone outside the counseling office, except in unusual circumstances such as a court subpoena or imminent danger to yourself or someone else. As your team of professionals, our counseling staff may consult one another in order to improve the quality of our services to you. If you have questions regarding the nature of confidentiality, please ask your counselor.
To make an appointment, you can call us at 516-572-7698 or you can stop by our office in Nassau Hall, Room #9. We will do our best to find a time that meets your needs.
If you are in a crisis situation, you will be seen right away. If you are in a crisis when the office is closed call Public Safety at 516-572-7111 or you may go to your nearest emergency room.
One of the benefits of seeking professional counseling is that the counselors are able to be objective; they are not involved in your daily life as are your friends or family. Counselors explore your problems with you, actively listen and help you to find ways to remove the obstacles to growth and change.
If you are concerned about a student, please call us. We will be happy to assist you in determining whether a referral is needed.
If you are interested in having one of our counselors conduct a workshop for your class on mental health or substance abuse issues, please contact us. Periodically, our staff makes class visits to conduct workshops and to discuss our services.
