Services
The Counseling Center generally operates 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. The focus is on identifying client strengths, resources, and competencies as a foundation for problem-solving. Counselors work with students to help them find the most efficient solutions to their problems. There is a seven session limit per student per semester unless otherwise recommended by the counselor.
For Crisis and Emergency services, click on link.
Counseling Services
- Individual counseling
- Couple counseling
- Family counseling
- Group counseling (topic areas TBA)
- Assessment of needs
- Emergency psychiatric services
- Nutritional Counseling
- Referrals to community and other WSU resources
- Workshops and presentations
- Substance Abuse Evaluation
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) information
Why People Go To Counseling
There may be times when you feel confused, uncertain, or pressured. Talking with a counselor can be helpful in exploring, understanding, and working through your concerns. Individual sessions usually are scheduled once a week. The number of sessions you have will vary depending on the nature of your concerns, and what you and your counselor decide.
Listed below are issues commonly brought to college counseling centers by students:
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Homesickness/Loneliness
- Conflicts with others
- Crisis/Personal trauma
- Family problems
- Sexual orientation issues
- Time management problems
- Relationship problems
- Decision-making difficulties
- Eating Problems/Eating Disorders
- Personal identity issues
- Communication difficulties
- Substance Abuse
- Anxiety
Confidentiality
All counseling sessions are strictly confidential. No information may be released without the written permission of the student.
Counseling Resources
If you do not wish to speak with a counselor, but would like information about counseling issues, we have pamphlets available covering a wide range of topics. Consult with the Counseling Center Secretary for more information.
How Do You Get To See a Counselor?
During the academic year, the office is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.You may make an appointment by going to the Counseling Center and speaking to the Secretary or any other staff that may be available. You will be asked to fill out paperwork and then an appointment will be made for you. Usually you can see a counselor within a week of your request, but during busier times of the year, you may need to wait a little longer. In the case of an emergency, the Counseling Center will attempt to offer an appointment as soon as possible.
All services are available to full-time day students at no charge as part of student fees. Other students may be seen for consultation and referral.
Graduate Counseling Interns also provide counseling. All interns have completed their graduate coursework in counseling and provide services under the direct supervision of professional staff members.
Emergency and Crisis Counseling
During office hours (9am-5pm, M-F), crisis counseling is available to assess and manage mental health emergencies. To access these services, call (X5790) or walk in to the Counseling Center, Lammers Hall, Annex A.
If you require after hours crisis services, please consider doing one or more of the following:
- If you are a residential student, contact your R.A or R.D., who can access the on-call counselor.
- If you are on campus and need assistance, you may contact Public Safety (X5262) who can access the on-call counselor.
- You may also speak to someone at the Crisis Intervention Program, 568-6386. In cases of domestic violence or sexual assault, you may speak to someone at YWCA-New Beginnings 24 hour hotline at 1-800-479-6245 (website: www.ywworks.org/)
Looking for substance abuse services? Check out the information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health's at Search for Substance Abuse Services
For WSU Employees:
Counseling services are available to employees of the Unversity at the Wellness Corporation.
Please contact them at:
The Wellness Corporation
512 West Main St.
Shrewsbury, MA 01545 USA
Phone: 508-842-2780
Call Toll free: 1-800-828-6025
The Westfield State University Counseling Center is committed to offering services free of bias regarding race, gender, disabilities, and sexual orientation. Our offices are handicapped-accessible, and we place paramount importance on treating all individuals respectfully and honorably.