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Student Services

  • ⚠ Safe Return Updates

    In the wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the counseling center staff will be working with students remotely through confidential telethealth.

    In an immediate crisis situation, students off campus should call 911. On campus students should contact University Police at 508-929-8911.

    Current Clients

    If you are a current client of Counseling Services, please call 508-929-8072 or contact your counselor directly at their personal Worcester State email address to arrange for teletherapy.

    New Clients

    If you are new to Counseling Services, please contact counseling_wsu@worcester.edu or 508-929-8072.

    The following resources are available to you and may assist in coping and symptom reduction:

    • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
      The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
    • Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
    • Mindful
      Mindfulness stories, strategies, news, practical advice and insights. Corona virus specific strategies and guidance. Sign up for daily meditations or download the app.
    • Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
      Recommendations on managing stress and anxiety from the CDC
    • The Steve Fund: Maintaining Mental Health During the Pandemic
      The Steve Fund shares tips for maintaining mental health during the pandemic and is aware of the impact that COVID-19 (coronavirus) is having on the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color, including adolescents, college students, and young adults and their families.

  • Counseling Services

    Your college years can be among the most exciting and gratifying of your life. At times, however, you may feel significant amounts of stress, confusion, and uncertainty. The staff of Worcester State University’s Counseling Center understands the emotional pressure that many of our students experience. Concerns that may lead to counseling include:

    • Adjustment to college life
    • Diversity and inclusion
    • Depression and anxiety
    • Substance abuse
    • Eating disorders
    • Gender and sexual I]identity
    • Personal and family crisis
    • Relationships
    • Relational violence
    • Loss and grief
    • Academic concerns
    • Loneliness
    • Sexual assault - What to do in the event of sexual assault
  • Services

    We're here to help you through these challenges, supporting you while you resolve a psychosocial issue, enhance your personal growth, and strengthen your academic skills and performance. We also are actively involved in the campus-wide commitment to prevent and respond to sexual assaults. And we’re energetically expanding the university community’s understanding of the mental health issues faced by college students. We provide the following services at no charge to you:

    • Individual counseling
    • Group counseling
    • Anonymous online mental health screenings
    • Sexual assault prevention and response
    • Consultation
    • Outreach services
    Self-Help Apps

    We’ve compiled a list of apps that may be helpful to you in managing anxiety, mood and other stressors. These apps can be used in addition to meeting with a counselor, but can also be helpful to those who feel they may not need immediate counseling.

    Resources

    External Links

    Suicide Prevention Hotline

    800-273-8255
    Available 24 Hours, 7 Days a week
    English/Spanish speaking
    suicidepreventionlifeline.org

      Parent Resources

      As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many students are currently facing increased academic and emotional pressures. It is not uncommon for mental health concerns to arise at this time.

      If you feel a child, or dependent, is struggling with their mental health, do not hesitate to consult with Counseling Services at 508-929-8072 or counseling_wsu@worcester.edu.

      If a student is experiencing a mental health crisis, expressing self harm, suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting others, please call 911 or take the student to your local emergency room.

      Here are a list of possible red flags you may observe or may be communicated to you:

      • Change in sleep and/or appetite
      • Low energy and motivation
      • Difficulty concentrating
      • Feeling revved up
      • Racing thoughts, not being able to “turn off his/ her brain,”
      • Loss of interest in prior activities
      • Withdrawal
      • Sadness, irritability or anger
      • Increased substance use
      • Inability to complete schoolwork

      Students may be used to having more independence. Being at home more often may be challenging and change family dynamics. Here are some tips on how to support your student during this time:

      • Check in with students about how they are coping with the transition to being home and/or online learning. Remind them about campus supports.
      • Voice any concerns you may have and problem solve together.
      • Resist the urge to lecture.
      • Hold off on judgments.
      • Be open about your expectations.
      • Listen to what they have to say about how they would like to be treated.
      • Encourage students to stick with a schedule. Routines help create a sense of normalcy.
      • Online learning can be a big adjustment. Remind them about academic supports.
      • Share your own concerns/fears about the pandemic. It can normalize that everyone is feeling a range of emotions including uncertainty and fear.
      Meet Our Staff

      Laura Murphy, M.A./C.A.G.S.
      Associate Dean of Health and Wellness, Director of Counseling

      Kevin Fenlon, M.A., LMHC
      Assistant Director

      Sarah Valois, MSW, LICSW

      Julie Glovin, MSW, LICSW

      Talita Rodovalho, M.Ed., LMHC

      Dianna Aquafresca
      Administrative Assistant

    • Frequently Asked Questions

      Who is eligible to use the Counseling Center services?

      The Counseling Center provides services to fully matriculated undergraduate students. Counseling Services are available to graduate students utilizing a brief treatment model.

      Do I have to pay?

      No. The Counseling Center services are covered by undergraduate tuition and fees.

      How do I know if I need counseling?

      Counseling is appropriate for anyone who is troubled by a specific problem or has a general concern. Students seek counseling for personal growth, increased self-awareness, self-esteem, anxieties, depression, family and interpersonal issues, as well as for acute problems or crises.

      When is the Counseling Center open?

      Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

      Is the Counseling Center open during the summer?

      Yes. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

      Will my contact with the Counseling Center be confidential?

      The information shared in a counseling session is confidential and will not be disclosed to any persons or organization outside the Counseling Center without written consent, unless it is to protect you or someone else from imminent harm, or in cases of child or elder abuse, or if ordered by a court.

      What if I feel suicidal or as if I can't cope?

      Please call the Counseling Center immediately and tell the receptionist that your call is urgent. If you feel suicidal or in crisis, and the Center is not open, call University Police at 508-929-8911. If you are off campus, call 911 immediately.

      What can I do if I am concerned about a friend?

      You can ask the receptionist to set up a consultation to discuss what is happening with your friend and what you might be able to do to help. If you think your friend is in crisis, call immediately.

      Does the Counseling Center provide academic counseling?

      No, the Academic Success Center and/or your academic advisor, provide these services. Counselors do aid students in coping with academic stress and referring students to the areas on campus that may help contribute to greater academic success.

      Does the Counseling Center provide career counseling?

      No, Career Services provides career counseling to undergraduate students. Visit Career Services or call 508-929-8072 to learn more.

    • Mental Health Screenings

      Concerned about how you are feeling? On our Counseling Services page in myWSU you can take an online, free and anonymous mental health screening to see if counseling may be right for you.

      Appointments

      Appointments are scheduled based on counselor availability. You can schedule an appointment by calling Counseling Services, visiting us in person, or via email. Evening hours are available by appointment.

    • CONTACT US 

      Counseling Services
      Student Center
      Suite 325
      508-929-8072
      counseling_wsu@worcester.edu

      Off-Campus Emergencies
      Worcester Police Department
      911