Student Counseling Services

We have extensive experience in an array of challenges and therapeutic techniques, including:  grief/trauma work, anxiety management, alcohol/drug counseling, suicide assessment and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.  We all practice from a strengths based and motivational interviewing point of view and are here to assist students adjust to college life, overcome stressful life situations, and also to help make difficult life decisions. 

• We are very passionate and serious about our jobs and we also love to have fun
• Make sure to look for campus wide events and programs we will be offering throughout the semester

Confidentiality is of the utmost importance in the counseling relationship and student concerns are not shared except in circumstances where there is a threat to self or others. In the case of threat to self or others, notification is at the discretion of the counselor in consultation with the Director of Counseling and/or other appropriate Utica College personnel when needed.

Without your permission, we will not and cannot update or inform your parents, family and/or friends on your involvement with our services.  However, in the event we are concerned for your safety, or the safety of others, we may need to reach out to those supports in the event of an emergency.

How to make an appointment

• Email us at counseling@utica.edu  
• Call our center directly at (315) 792-3094  
• You can also stop by and make an appointment in person
• If it is after hours and an emergency, please contact Campus Safety at  (315) 792-3046 and ask for the counselor on-call.

Please Note: While email is private, it is not confidential. If you would like to discuss a personal concern, we request that you contact us either in person or by telephone.

The Counseling Center is located within the Student Wellness Center on the second floor of the Strebel Student Center, room 204.

We are currently open through the semester Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All services for registered UC students are free and confidential.

We strongly encourage students to schedule appointments, however counselors can be available for walk-ins if need be.

• It is sometimes the case that the scope of a student's concern is out of the area of expertise of our staff. We maintain active and cooperative relationships with area mental health and substance abuse providers and will facilitate referrals when needed.
• Payment for off-campus services is the responsibility of the student.
• Ongoing telephone or online counseling is not available. For students who are not able to meet in our office, we will work with you to set-up services in your local area.

What to do if you or a friend is in crisis

To refer a friend or student:

To make a referral to the Counseling Center, please fill out this form completely (click on the icon below).  Someone will be in touch with the student within 2 business days.  If you do not think it can wait 2 business days, please contact our office immediately.

Refer a Student

Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Mental health crises that occur on campus are handled by the Counseling Staff. For crises that occur during office hours, the Counseling Staff can be reached either by:

• calling the office at (315) 792-3094
• contacting Campus Safety (315) 792-3046 and asking for the counselor on-call.
• If a student is not currently registered for classes, we are not able to meet with them, however can provide local counseling/emergency resources.

If you have an emergency outside of normal business hours:

Contact Campus Safety at (315) 792-3046 and ask for the Counselor-on-call.

Additional resources:

Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT)
(315) 732-6228 
www.neighborhoodctr.org/mcat__crisis_service0.aspx 

Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255, press 1
www.veteranscrisisline.net/

National Suicide Prevention Lifelife
1-800-273-8255
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
 

UC Faculty and Staff: What can WE do for YOU?

The Counseling Center is located within the Student Wellness Center on the second floor of the Strebel Student Center, room 204. We are open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00p.m, and a counselor on-call is available after hours and on the weekends/over holidays by contacting Campus Safety at extension 3046. Registered students have access to a counselor for crisis situations 24/7 if need be.
If a student is not currently registered for classes, we are not able to meet with them, however can provide local counseling/emergency resources.

Our staff is comprised of professionally trained clinicians, licensed by the State of New York, who can assist students with a wide variety of concerns. We have extensive experience in an array of challenges including: grief/trauma work, anxiety management, alcohol/drug counseling, depression, and suicide assessment. We are here to assist students adjust to college life, overcome stressful life situations, and also to help make difficult life decisions. Additionally, we are here to support faculty/staff learn ways to more effectively support, communicate and/or work with difficult or struggling students.

Some examples of the types of things we help students with include:

• Alcohol/substance abuse concerns
• Anger management
• Anxiety
• ADD/ADHD
• Date rape/Sexual Assault
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Family problems
• Grief and loss
• Homesickness
• Relationship problems
• Relaxation techniques
• Roommate conflict
• Self esteem
• Self-harming behaviors
• Sexual identity
• Suicidal thoughts
• Trauma (PTSD)

More specific services we can offer your students are:

• Presentations on effective communication, conflict resolution and/or relationship building skills
• How to stay safe when going out to a party or out on a date
• Ways to improve your concentration
• How to overcome social anxiety
• How to help a friend in need
• How to have a difficult conversation with a friend/family member
• Fun stress relieving activities
• Appropriate use of social media (how posting/commenting/joining a certain group can lead to negative outcomes)

... And much more!
 

How to contact us:

• To schedule a counselor to attend your class, or to refer a student, please contact us.
• If a student is interested in obtaining information or in scheduling an appointment, please have them contact the Counseling Center via phone, email or face-to-face:
  
  315-792-3094
  counseling@utica.edu
  Strebel 204

What to do in an emergency

In case of an emergency, please refer to the Crisis Intervention section of this site.

To refer a student:

To make a referral to the Counseling Center, please fill out this form completely (click on the icon below). Someone will be in touch with the student within 2 business days. If you do not think it can wait 2 business days, please contact our office immediately.

Refer a Student

Recognizing Distress

Students exhibit signs of distress in a variety of ways, including:
 

• Disruptive behavior
• Changes in academic performance
• Depressed or elevated mood
• Changes in classroom participation
• Anxiety or difficulty sitting still
• Expressing suicidal thoughts or plans
• Threat of violence
• Multiple requests for special consideration
• Withdrawal from peers, activities
• Major changes in sleep/nutrition
• Excessive absence
• Hostility, inappropriate outbursts

Responding to Distress

• Respond immediately to problem behaviors before they increase
• Consult and seek advice when needed
• Keep interactions with students calm and respectful
• Document problem behaviors in writing
• Clearly state expectations for appropriate classroom behavior
• Utilize UC’s Early Warning System
• Suggest additional services as appropriate

How you can help

There are a number of reasons why a student might not be performing to his or her ability. Often, students don’t even understand themselves why they are struggling. What may look like laziness, disinterest, or lack of participation could, in fact, be symptoms of some deeper issues.

No one expects faculty to act as therapists. Even so, your observations and interactions with students provide a natural vehicle for assisting students in getting the help they need.

Sometimes, the answer is simply to make an adjustment that allows the student to have an extended deadline, alternative testing methods, or other assistance. In other instances, while these adjustments may address the issues on the surface, deeper issues persist. There is another level of support available.

If you are concerned about a student, call the Counseling Center at
(315) 792-3094 or email us at counseling@utica.edu. We will work with you and the student to formulate a plan to address those concerns.

Unless it is an emergency, please do not bring the student to our office. Please either have the student contact us to make an appointment or complete the counseling referral form/contact Alison Franklin.

If it is an emergency, please contact Campus Safety and ask for the counselor on-call.

What to say to your student

Except in an emergency, the most important thing is to present your concern so that the student can freely accept, consider, or refuse your recommendation. Some people need time to think over the decision to seek counseling. A caring and gentle suggestion is usually enough. Here are some possible conversation starters:
 

To learn additional ways to more effectively support, communicate and/or work with difficult or struggling students, please contact us at anytime!

"I can do things you cannot. You can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things."

Programs that help you beat stress and make better choices

Our office is dedicated to the personal development and education of all Utica College students. Programming and informational materials are 2 of the tools we use to reach as many students as possible. It is our mission to offer you programs which will help to give you the knowledge and opportunity to grow and succeed both at UC and throughout your life.

We offer programs on topics such as:

• stress management/relaxation tips
• healthy relationships
• making responsible choices in the college environment
• how to have a difficult conversation with a friend or family member
• how to go to a party or go out on a date safely 
• ways to improve your concentration/develop stronger study habits
• how to help a friend in need
• tips on how to overcome social anxiety
• career guidance/support surrounding job related stress 

... and much more!

Suggest a program

We are always looking for new ideas as well as input on what topics students are interested in exploring. If you have an idea for a program or feel that classmates or members of the UC community may benefit from learning more about a topic, let us know by emailing us at counseling@utica.edu.

Support to staff/faculty

Additionally, we are here to support staff/faculty learn ways to more effectively support, communicate and/or work with difficult or struggling students. 

Please contact us at counseling@utica.edu for more information or to refer a student to our services. 

Resources on the Web

There is a lot of information available online.  We put together a list of resources for you that we have found to be especially helpful.

Links for additional support resources:

Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT)
(315) 732-6228 
www.neighborhoodctr.org/services/mobile-crisis-assessment-team/

Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255, press 1
www.veteranscrisisline.net/

National Suicide Prevention Lifelife
1-800-273-8255

Links for mental health information:

The Top Mental Health Challenges Facing Students:
This guide helps to identify the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues for college students and where and when to seek help. Left untreated, these issues can become debilitating for students, so whether you feel you are experiencing these issues or find yourself concerned for a friend or peer, it is important to take action now.
www.bestcolleges.com/resources/top-5-mental-health-problems-facing-college-students/

Active Minds:
Changing the conversation on mental health in the college community. 
If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact the Counseling Center!
www.activeminds.org

Half of Us:
Stories and Information regarding Mental Health and Mental Illness
http://www.halfofus.com/

National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov

Transition Year
A resource center to help  students focus on emotional health before, during and after the college transition (there is helpful information for parents as well!).  
http://transitionyear.org/

Helpguide.org
An online resource to help you improve your mental and emotional health. Includes information on relationships, addiction, eating disorders, stress, grief and loss, and many other topics.
www.helpguide.org/home-pages/emotional-health.htm

Links for alcohol and other drug Information:

Recovery.org
Seeking Addiction Treatment?
1-888-653-5601
www.recovery.org/

Blood Alcohol Level Calculator
http://bloodalcoholcalculator.org/

The Bacchus Network
The BACCHUS Network is a collegiate peer education initiative that supports the achievement of students’ academic and personal success by building skills in student leaders to address campus health and safety issues.
www.bacchusnetwork.org/

Above the Influence
http://abovetheinfluence.com/

Alcohol 101 (includes the "Virtual Bar")
https://www.responsibility.org/start-a-conversation/drinking-responsibly/virtual-bar/

Looking for some online resources to manage stress?

Emotional Intelligence ToolkitThis FREE program includes articles, videos, and audio meditations. You’ll learn why emotional intelligence is so important to your emotional and physical health and then two core skills for reducing overwhelming stress. Each step builds on the skills you’ve just learned to help you explore your moods, manage stress, and take control of your emotional health.
http://www.helpguide.org/emotional-intelligence-toolkit/

More helpful links for managing stress

www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm

campusmindworks.org/students/self_care/managing_stress.asp

www.everydayhealth.com/college-health/college-life-10-ways-to-reduce-stress.aspx

www.dbtselfhelp.com/

UC Safe: How to protect yourself and your friends

Red flags in a relationship:

When someone is:

• Checking your phone, email, or social media without your permission or forcing you to let them
• Extremely jealous and judgmental about your friends or not letting you go places alone, without them
• Constantly belittling you or making you feel like everything is your fault
• Behaving erratically or constantly overreacting
• Physically injuring you
• Telling you what do to
• Pressuring you to engage in sexual activity

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV):

The term “intimate partner violence” describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse.

• IPV can occur between heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy.

An intimate partner is a person with whom one has a close personal relationship. Examples of intimate partners include:

• Current or former spouses, boyfriends or girlfriends, dating partners, or sexual partners.

Dating Violence:

Dating violence is controlling, abusive, and aggressive behavior in a romantic relationship.

• It can include verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, or a combination.
• It can happen in straight or gay relationships.
• Both men and women can be victims.

If you think that you or someone you know is the victim of an abusive relationship:

1. Make a Title IX report 
   AND/OR
2. Speak with someone (confidentially) in the UC Wellness Center (counselor or medical provider)

Creating the Community You Want

The AlcoholEDU® program

Why taking this program is important

Utica College has partnered with EverFi, whose mission is to help students address critical life skills such as sexual assault prevention in higher education institutions across the country. Each year over ½ million students complete courses provided by EverFi, including the AlcoholEDU® and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates Programs.

As part of our comprehensive prevention program for new students, Utica College expects you to complete the AlcoholEDU® program, which provides you with information about reducing risks related to alcohol use.

FACT: 27% of those who leave college and do not return are driven to do so by alcohol-related problems.

AlcoholEdu® can help. The program incorporates the latest evidence-based prevention methods to create a highly engaging user experience that inspires students to reflect on and consider changing their drinking. Today, AlcoholEdu® is used on more than 500 campuses.

What you need to do

We expect you will have completed this course by the time your classes begin – the deadline date for Part 1 of  AlcoholEDU® is August 29, 2018. You will be discussing the information in this program in many places during the your first few weeks at Utica College, including First Year Seminar classes and events held throughout campus in the fall. After 30-45 days, you will receive an invitation to complete Part 2 of AlcoholEDU®.

Registration, login, and other information

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY:

You will need one EverFi Higher Education Account to access this course from your dashboard. We urge you to add this course to your dashboard before beginning any of the content.

If you DON’T HAVE an EverFi Higher Ed. Account:

1. Go to: http://www.everfi.com/register
2. Enter a Registration Code (from right column of this page)
3. Once at your EverFi Dashboard, click Add a Course and enter the next Registration Code, etc.

If you ALREADY HAVE an EverFi Higher Ed. Account and need to add courses to your dashboard:

1. Go to http://www.everfi.com/login
2. Once signed in, click Add a Course (​in the top right corner of your dashboard)
3. Enter a Registration Code (from right column of this page)

Note: When prompted, please enter your nine digit student ID number to receive credit for completion. You can find your student ID number under your name on your Utica College student ID card.

This Course Covers:

• Overview of Key Definitions
• Myths and Misperceptions
• Alcohol and Motivation
• Standard Drink
• Blood Alcohol Concentration
• Key Strategies for Drinkers
• Key Strategies for Non-Drinkers
• Bystander Intervention Skills
• Academic Brain Science
• Media Literacy and Expectations
• Alcohol and the Law
• College, Drinking and Stress

Four Powerful Modules

• Motivate behavior change
• Reset unrealistic expectations about the effects of alcohol
• Link choices about drinking to academic and personal success
• Models safe decision-making

Other Important Information:

• You will need Internet access and audio capabilities.
• To avoid technical issues, please use any major web browser released within the previous two years.
• You may take the courses in multiple sittings.
• Should you experience problems, technical support is available 24/7 and can be accessed from the “Help” link within the course.

Please note that AlcoholEDU® includes surveys to help personalize your experience and measure your attitudes and behaviors. All survey responses are confidential; Utica College will only receive information about the student body as a whole and will never see any individual student's answers.

Questions or concerns?

Contact the Counseling Center at (315) 792-3094 or
counseling@utica.edu.

Looking for the Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates Program?

Click here to go to the Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates Program page

*Note:  this tool is for information purposes and does not serve as a guarantee of your BAC. Always drink responsibly.

Additional BAC Calculator Tools:

https://gallery.shinyapps.io/drinkr/

www.lifeloc.com/calculator

(Adapted from www.GayAlliance.org)

The SafeZone program was created to develop, enhance and maintain environments in workplaces, schools and other social settings that are culturally competent and supportive to LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning) individuals, as well as straight, cisgender people who care about diversity, equality and inclusion. 

What is a SafeZone?

A safe zone or a safe space is a place where all people feel welcome and safe.  It may be a room, a car, or an entire college campus.  The Gay Alliance SafeZone program aims to increase the awareness, knowledge, and skills for individuals and address the challenges that exist when one wants to advocate for their LGBTQ peers, family members, friends and co-workers. Creating safe zones or safe spaces is a proactive step that schools, agencies and corporations can take to create welcoming, inclusive spaces so that all people are empowered to reach their full potential.

What does the Safe Zone symbol mean? 

If you see this symbol next to a staff member's name or an office door, it means that they have completed the SafeZone training. They have additional knowledge regarding LGBTQ related concerns. 

Sponsored by the Diversity Committee