Counseling Information
What is Counseling?
Counseling is a process of change in which individuals are helped to define goals, and to seek solutions to their personal, social, or academic concerns.
Counseling involves an empathic relationship between a professional and a client - a counselor will not tell you what to do, but will help you to learn to make good decisions for yourself.
Counseling can help you to grow as an individual, and to better understand yourself and those around you.
Why come to Counseling?
Students seek counseling for many different reasons. Some may be in distress over academic problems, family issues, or a relationship. Others may want to learn how to deal with stress more effectively, minimize their anxiety, or develop more self-esteem.
The following is only a partial list of some of the concerns for which students may seek help:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Roommate problems
- Problems with food, nutrition, or body image
- Sleep disorder
- Relationship violence
- Loneliness
- Loss of a parent, grandparent or other loved one
- Difficulty handling anger
- Test anxiety
Confidentiality
All counseling sessions are confidential. Counselors follow strict ethical and legal guidelines regarding confidentiality, and do not release any information to faculty, staff, or families without written consent from the student.
The only exceptions that may require counselors to disclose information are: if we believe a student is in danger or harming him/herself or others; in cases of suspected child or elder abuse; if ordered by a court.
Counseling records are maintained separately, and are never part of a student's academic record or transcript.
Emergency Information
In case of emergency during normal office hours of 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, contact the counseling offices at 508 373-9544 (Worcester) or 774 3540466 (Leicester).
In the evenings, on weekends, and during college vacation periods, dial 911 or contact campus police at 508 373-9559.
Students can also call Emergency Mental Health at 508 856-3532 or go directly to Umass Memorial - University Campus or the emergency room closest to their home.
For Parents
Parents are often the first to know when something is wrong with their student. It can be frustrating for a parent to try to help their son or daughter from a distance, but sometimes students just need a parent to provide a listening ear. If more is needed, however, parents can remind students of the many sources of support on campus, including counseling services, and encourage them to contact us. Parents can also call counseling staff directly to discuss their concerns with us, and receive consultation about the best way to connect their students with us. We will always listen to concerns, and discuss general issues with parents; when appropriate, a signed release from a student will allow for ongoing discussion and problem-solving.
