What do you do in Counseling Services?
Most commonly, we provide individual to MCLA students. For most students, this means
that we meet one-on-one to talk about what is troubling you. Students often seek counseling
for help with family concerns, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, eating
difficulties, grieving, or dealing with stressful situations. We generally operate
on a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy model in which the counselor actively assists the student in defining the problem,
identifying specific goals, and producing change.
Group counseling is offered as needs arise.
Who can come to Counseling Services?
Any currently enrolled MCLA student can be seen in Counseling Services. Consultation
services are available to students, faculty, staff, and parents.
Where are you located and when are you open?
Counseling Services is located on the 2nd Floor of the MountainOne Student Wellness
Center. Our hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Students are seen
by appointment only.
How do I make an appointment to talk with a counselor?
Please call the office at 413-662-5331 to schedule an initial appointment.
I need to speak with someone right away. Is that possible?
If it is urgent and you need to be seen right away, we may meet with you for a same-day
emergency appointment. Same-day emergency appointments are usually 15-20 minutes and
can be used for evaluation, to talk something over with a counselor, or to obtain
a referral to an off-campus provider.
What does it cost?
There is no cost to students for using Counseling Services. However, if you are referred
to an outside provider you will need to use your health insurance to cover the cost
of those services.
Who works there?
The staff of Counseling Services is made up of the Director, two full-time counselors,
two part-time counselors, a consulting psychiatrist, and an Office Manager. Professional
specialties vary by staff member, but all clinicians have appropriate training and
state licensure.
I want to talk with a counselor, but I don't want anyone to know. Is my business kept
confidential?
All visits to Counseling Services and conversations with staff are considered confidential
unless you have specifically given your consent for us to share information with a
particular person. State law and professional ethics protect your privacy as a client;
however there are exceptions to this. In general, all contacts are confidential unless
we determine that you are at risk of hurting yourself or another, you inform us of
child abuse or elder abuse, or under rare circumstance, if a court of law orders that
we provide certain information. Please visit our Confidentiality page for more information on this topic.
I'm not "crazy" and I'm not suicidal. Isn't counseling only for people who are?
Certainly not. Counseling services are sometimes used by people with more severe
mental health problems, or people who are in crisis, but most of the students we meet
with are struggling with the stressors of daily living or having difficulty coping
as effectively as possible. When possible, we are happy to work with you to prevent
a crisis from happening. Counseling can help you improve problem-solving abilities
and assist you in developing flexible coping strategies.
I think my roommate (or friend) has an eating disorder, or a drinking problem, etc.
Can I talk with someone in Counseling Services about this?
Absolutely. We can assist you to identify if there is a problem, to decide what you
should do, if anything, and provide you with support.
What kinds of things can I talk about with a counselor?
Basically anything that is important to you - no problem is seen as too big or too
small. Some things students discuss with their counselors include feelings of depression,
low self-esteem, anxiety (including test anxiety), suicidal thoughts, family problems,
relationship problems, sexual orientation, disability issues, past sexual assaults,
substance abuse, family or parental alcoholism, abusive relationships, eating disorders,
learning disabilities, anger management, loneliness, grief and loss.
