Personal Counseling Center
The college years are exciting and challenging. At times the demands can be complicated and daunting. The Personal Counseling Center is a place where students can expect professional assistance with emotional and psycho-social concerns. Anxiety, confusion, depression, and anger are among the many psychological obstacles to well-being, and often diminish potential and achievement. Asking for help during vulnerable times is a sign of strength. A counselor can give feedback, encourage further questioning, validate self-awareness and responsibility, and support students until self confidence is secure again.
Full time undergraduate students are eligible for all services of the Personal Counseling Center. Counseling services are provided to all full time undergraduate students free of charge. Part time undergraduates, School of Continuing Education students and graduate students are eligible for consultation and referral when appropriate.
COVID-19 Update
With our goals of campus safety in mind, Personal Counseling Center services will be delivered remotely via telephone or Zoom, including for students living on-campus (see information below about students studying remotely outside of RI).
Undergraduate full time students in the day school seeking a first time appointment or who would like to speak with a counselor they have worked with in the past should call the PCC front desk at 401.865.2343 to schedule. All counselors have first time consultation appointments held in their schedules in order to avoid lengthy waiting lists and we recommend that you schedule with the first one available that matches your schedule. If you are interested in seeking services with a particular counselor for ongoing sessions, we can match you with that counselor after your first appointment.
Sometimes students are only in need of the one appointment based on what they are coping with or attempting to work through for that given time. We will have some paperwork that will be sent to you remotely to help us target the conversation for that first appointment. Counseling and assessment appointments will feel somewhat differently than your typical conversation with a peer or someone in your family, however, it is still a conversation where the counselor will try to get to know you a bit better and see how we can best be helpful to you.
Our services are generally short term. Although we do not have session limits, the average number of sessions a student will have each academic year is approximately 6 sessions. Sessions are typically at least 2 weeks apart with some students seen weekly for short periods of time if they are in crisis. If you are in need of weekly ongoing therapy, the PCC staff may assist you in finding off campus services locally. Please note that follow up appointments are made one at a time with your counselor at the end of each telehealth appointment.
All services are confidential within the limits of the law and professional ethics.
Please consider visiting our COVID-19 Mental Health & Wellness site, as well as the Human Flourishing Hub, for resources, ideas, and inspiration for community members who look to stay healthy in body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Out of State Students
State licensing laws and professional standards regulate the provision of telehealth services across state lines, limiting the kinds of services we can provide depending on where you live if you are outside of RI and choosing to work remotely from home. Students may call and talk to a counselor regarding the best way to obtain and/or continue services in your local area when services across state lines are either not permitted or not appropriate depending upon the nature of the student’s situation.
In the event of a move to complete remote instruction, an adjustment of services may need to be made for students who are receiving PCC services. We will do our best to determine in our clinical judgment and in our students’ best interests if it is appropriate to continue treatment on a case by case basis, where permitted.
