The Counseling Center offers brief, solution-based counseling to all enrolled students. Whether you are dealing with stress, relationships, grief, or any other personal concern, our individual counseling services are here to help. We can assist with everything from anxiety and depression to motivation, family concerns, conflict management, and more.
- Empowering You to Thrive: We are here to help you clarify your interests, build value, and assist you in effectively communicating your needs. We understand that college life can be challenging, and we are committed to providing you with the tools and resources you need to overcome obstacles such as procrastination and social anxiety.
- Building Connections: Creating meaningful social connections is a vital part of your college experience. We're here to guide you in building these connections to experience a sense of belonging and community.
- Navigating Your Career Path: Choosing a major or planning a career can be daunting. We work closely with other departments to help you navigate these important decisions, ensuring you're on the right path to achieving your career goals.
Consultation
All students are invited to schedule a consultation. You do not need to engage in counseling services to receive a consultation and Personalized Wellbeing Plan. Every student will begin with a 20-minute consultation with one of our counselors. This can be done in person or via a secure virtual platform. You will leave with a holistic Personalized Wellbeing Plan tailored to your specific needs.
During this private consultation, you have the opportunity to discuss your concerns. If further services are indicated, the counselor may recommend group or individual counseling, suggest further evaluation, or refer you to other services on or off campus. Occasionally, some students find that this initial consultation meets their needs and no further services are required.
NOTE: Students should not pursue services at the Counseling Center for the sole purpose of obtaining a letter of support. The Counseling Center does not provide letters at the initial interview and cannot provide documentation regarding a student's mental health without a history of services at the Counseling Center during the specified time period. If necessary, students are encouraged to seek letters of support from individuals directly involved in their care, such as past or present psychological or psychiatric providers, medical doctors, or family members.
Individual Therapy
Short-term, individual counseling may be offered to help you gain a deeper understanding of the sources of your difficulties. These insights are then translated into plans for action that you can carry out in your daily life. For issues that would be better resolved through a longer-term individual approach, an appropriate referral to a community provider may be recommended.
Counseling Appointment Options
The Counseling Center offers concise and traditional appointments. Consider your needs in determining which type of appointment is the best fit for you. Appointments can be conducted in person, virtually using a secure platform, or by phone.
- Concise appointments will be 20 minutes in length. The focus will be on the student's present needs and the counselor will explore solutions with the student.
- Traditional appointments will be 50 minutes in length. These appointments will focus on the overall wellbeing of the student and will target growth and tangible outcomes.
Additional Appointment Types
- Couples Counseling: At times, stress in a relationship can lead to disruption in your life. Couples counseling is an option when at least one partner is a full-time student. All couples are welcome.
- Coordination of Care: Consultation is available by phone or by appointment for faculty, staff, or parents who wish to talk with a professional about a student suffering from emotional stress, counseling referrals, or other issues. A release of information must be signed by the student receiving services for us to share any information about their care.
- Crisis Intervention: Sometimes crisis situations arise that require immediate intervention (e.g., sexual assault, suicidal feelings, or death of a loved one). Please alert the receptionist of your circumstances so that you can be seen promptly.
- Psychiatric Services: Psychiatric services are available to those who may benefit from medication in addition to counseling. An assessment is done by a counselor before you meet with a provider via Mantra Health. Mantra Health offers telepsychiatry to full-time, enrolled Penn State Behrend students at no cost.
- Same Day Access: For the first two weeks and last three weeks of each semester, the Counseling Center will offer Same Day Access to our services. This means if you are looking to meet with a counselor to explore options available to you, we can do that on the same day that you call or stop by, or within a matter of days rather than weeks. We will not preschedule appointments during this time. Students who need to be seen urgently due to safety concerns will be fit into the schedule.
Confidentiality: Your Trust is Our Priority
We understand the importance of feeling safe and secure in a counseling relationship. That is why our staff members are legally and ethically required to maintain confidentiality. Everything you share in your counseling session is strictly confidential, with exceptions only for situations involving potential harm to yourself or others, or suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult.
If you would like us to disclose specific information to anyone (e.g., a professor or medical provider), we will need your written permission to do so. A release of information can be sent to you for signature via our secure electronic health records system.