Families

The Counseling Center welcomes parents’/guardians’ calls. Our staff understands that parents/guardians may have concerns about their students, and wish to communicate information about them or to consult with us about these concerns. In the event that a parent/guardian wishes to speak to their student’s therapist, a signed release of information must be obtained from the student. It is helpful if a parent can make this request of the student. The Counseling Center has a strong commitment to maintain the strict confidentiality of the information shared by students. The only exceptions require mental health providers to report current child abuse and to seek assistance when there is an imminent risk to a person’s health or safety. Parents/guardians are always free to convey information to us, inquire about counseling and psychological services at Saint Rose, and consult with us about any other issues related to their student’s care and well-being.

Sometimes parents/guardians contact the center with questions about how to get their student into counseling. It is important to note that counseling works best when it is a voluntary process. As such, the counseling staff does not generally contact students to make the initial appointment unless there is an imminent safety concern. Parents/guardians will be coached on how to communicate directly with their student about seeking counseling services.

Students can make an appointment by calling us at (518) 454-5200 or by stopping in during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm. The office is located at 1006 Madison Ave.

There are no charges for visits to the Counseling Center. Students may utilize the center for free short-term counseling services. In the event that longer term therapy is requested or recommended, the student will be referred to a treatment provider in the community where they will be able to use their health insurance benefits.

Our staff consists of 3 NYS licensed mental health professionals, including our Director who is a licensed Counseling Psychologist, and supervised graduate level counselors-in-training. Both professional staff and counselors-in-training are trained & qualified to provide high quality psychological services.

If a student comes to the Counseling Center in high distress they will be seen by a counselor for an initial appointment generally within 15-20 minutes of arrival.

For all other counseling appointments, the first appointment is a screening and these typically take place within a week of the student contacting the Counseling Center. These are brief visits (15-20 minutes) which are meant to assess the basic needs of the student. After the screening students are scheduled for their first counseling session. Depending on the time of year, students are generally seen within a week of the screening. During peak usage times, such as October/November and March/April, students may have to wait a little longer to get in.

Students come to the Counseling Center for many reasons. Many have concerns related to a number of common developmental issues that arise during the college years, including adjustment to college; dependence/independence; autonomy; making friends; roommate issues; romantic relationships; identity; career; and changing values.  Sometimes, the problems are solely related to academics, such as: academic stress & being overwhelmed; time management; procrastination; test anxiety; changing majors; or learning disabilities. At times, students have more significant problems coping with life stressors and may be struggling with more serious or chronic mental health concerns such as: depression & mood disorders; anxiety & panic attacks; self-injury; ADHD; disordered eating behaviors; substance abuse or addiction; and more.

The center does have a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner on staff who is able to prescribe medication for specific situations. Contact the Counseling Center for more details.

Some issues students bring to the Counseling Center warrant more time and attention than the Counseling Center can offer. In addition, at busier times of the school year when students may not be able to be seen for weekly sessions, referrals for private practice will enable students to have consistent therapy with less wait, facilitating optimal care and attention to students’ concerns. In such cases, when students need a higher level of care or a more specialized service, staff members will work with students and their families to find good quality, financially accessible referral sources in the community. The college is very fortunate to have a number of excellent treatment providers working in private practice within a short walk or bus ride of campus.

The Center has a 24-hour on-call system for psychiatric emergencies.

For emergencies after-hours, students living on campus should contact their Resident Assistants and/or call Security at 518-454-5187 and ask to speak with the on-call counselor. Students who are not living on campus should call/text 988 or call 911.