Counseling

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What We Do

Students who are facing personal problems, feeling emotionally distressed, or experiencing a crisis situation can see a counselor for confidential, short-term counseling. As appropriate, referrals are made to additional resources both on and off campus.

For students interested in addressing issues related to their personal growth and development, individual counseling is available, as are small group workshops and special programs that are offered throughout the semester.

Students experiencing a mental health crisis when the Counseling Center is closed (evenings, weekends & holidays) please call 911, Rockland County Behavioral Health Response Team at 845-517-0400, or The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate assistance.

Are you a Victim of Sexual Assault or Sexual Harassment?

How to schedule an appointment

To schedule an appointment to talk with a Counselor please email [email protected]. Appointments are available in person or virtual.

If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis and need immediate support call the Rockland County Behavioral Health Response Team (845) 517-0400, The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or 911. Please note that Counselors are only available during normal office hours.

24/7 Additional Hotline Support that may be useful to you at this time:

  • The Rockland County Center for Safety and Change offers support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and can be reached at (845) 634-3344 or by texting (845) 286-4997
  • The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988.
  • Crisis Text line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect to a crisis counselor

Introducing AfterHours@RCC!

Through AfterHours@RCC, students will have access to the following:

  • A 24/7/365 mental health support line for in-the-moment support from counselors and connections to next steps, regardless of time of day or your location – Call (833) 823-0260 to reach the 24/7 support line.
  • The Wellness Hub which includes articles and videos on mental health and wellness topics including: Mental and Emotional Health, Fitness and Nutrition, Academic Performance, Stress Management, Healthy Relationships and more. To access the Wellness Hub to go connectwellnesshub.com or download the CampusWell app at campuswell.com/get-the-app.

We know how challenging and stressful life can be, especially for students with multiple responsibilities. If you ever need some support, know that these services are here for you anytime, whether you are on or off campus.

Mental Health Association's RV

Driving Towards Resilience

Look for the Mental Health Association’s (MHA’s) Mental Health RV every other Tuesday from 1:00pm-4:00pm on the roadway where the barricades are currently located between ACI and ACII, as part of their Driving Towards Resilience program. Upcoming dates: May 23. Services are at no cost to clients and available to the RCC community and residents of Rockland County.

Founded in 1946, The Mental Health Association of Westchester delivers innovative and integrated behavioral health services to individuals and their families. MHA’s Driving Towards Resilience program provides neighborhood and community based services for individuals living in Rockland and Westchester counties through our behavioral health mobile units. Our mobile units will be available in the community at scheduled designated sites. They are fully equipped with spaces for confidential conversations, as well as space for those seeking connection and support in a calm and welcoming environment, and capacity for telehealth connection to additional resources.

For more information please contact:
Laura Ferrelli, Program Supervisor
[email protected]
914-598-7264
www.mhawestchester.org

Counseling FAQs

What is Personal Counseling?

Personal counseling is a professional relationship designed to help you with personal problems. The counseling relationship differs from both social friendships and patient-doctor relationships. Instead of giving specific advice, counselors serve as skilled listeners who help you to clarify issues and to deal more effectively with your problems. Counselors work with you; they don’t do things to you.

What kind of problems are appropriate for counseling?

All kinds… Relationships, family, drugs or alcohol, sex, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, sexual orientation, loneliness, stress, eating problems, or your studies are just some examples. Whatever it is that troubles you, we invite you to talk with us about it.

Is counseling expensive?

Short-term personal counseling is one of the many services provided free of charge by the Student Success Counseling Center.

Does counseling go on my official record?

Absolutely not – Counseling services are confidential. Except for rare life-threatening emergencies, everything you say remains between you and your counselor.

Who are the counselors?

The counseling staff of the Student Success Counseling Center is made up of licensed professional master’s level counselors and social workers.

How long would I come for counseling?

The Counseling Center offers short-term personal counseling – Some problems lend themselves to one or two sessions, others may require several appointments. The length of time you will be seen for personal counseling is determined by the nature of your issues, which you and your counselor will discuss.

What if I need long-term counseling?

Counselors can refer you to agencies and private therapists in the area for counseling(also called “psychotherapy”) which may continue for a longer period of time. Some providers offer services on a “sliding scale” basis, which means you are charged according to what you can afford to pay.

Who is eligible for personal counseling?

All Rockland Community College students are eligible for personal counseling services.

Suppose I'm very upset and can't wait?

If it’s an emergency and you’re on campus, come to the Student Success Counseling Center. A counselor will meet with you, speak with you about the situation and decide next steps with you. If you have an emergency when the Center is not open, go to Public Safety or call them at 845-574-4217 or 845-574-4911. In addition, you may contact the Rockland County Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT) by calling 845- 517-0400 or The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Faculty and Staff Resources

Everyone at Rockland Community College plays an important role in promoting students’ mental health and well-being- including faculty and staff. If you notice changes in a student’s presentation or mood, or suspect that they are dealing with a significant stressor, you can make a difference by taking action.

Counselors are here to offer you and your students:

  • Short term individual counseling sessions for students
  • Consultation for faculty regarding student concerns
  • Group meetings based on need and current issues
  • Drop-in hours scheduled each semester
  • Workshops/classroom presentations for students on topics such as mental health related topics such as stress management, depression/anxiety, resilience, suicide awareness/prevention, understanding student stress in a remote environment, coping with COVID and other timely topics

Here’s how you can reach us to refer students, for consultations or to schedule presentations:

Emergency Situations

In any emergency situation, staff should take immediate action by calling Public Safety at (845) 574-4911 or by dialing 911.

Emergency situations may include:

  • Expression of suicidal or homicidal thoughts
  • Expression of hallucinations
  • Drastic loss in control over emotions, causing outbursts or
  • dangerous behavior
  • Student unaware of current time or place

Resources

Take a Mental Health Screening

Mental Health America
https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools

Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotlines
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
    • Dial 988
    • Support for anyone feeling down, overwhelmed or having thoughts of self harm or death
  • Crisis Text Line
    • Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support
  • Trevor Lifeline
    • 1-866-488-7386
    • A free, confidential hotline for all LGBTQ+ young adults
  • Crisis Hotline for Veterans
    • 1-800-273-8255 then Press 1
Domestic Violence Hotlines

These numbers can be stored in your phone contacts, memorized, or written on other pieces of paper. It is important that you chose a way to remember these numbers that helps you to feel safe.

  • Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
    • 845-634-3344 24hr hotline
    • Text # 845-286-4997
    • “Chat Now” via website centerforsafetyandchange.org
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
    • 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or online through chat services at www.thehotline.org
    • This hotline is for anyone affected by domestic violence- from those experiencing violence to their friends and family 
  • New York State Domestic Violence Hotline
    • 1-800-621-7643 / 1-800-621- HOPE 
Substance Abuse Hotlines and Rehab Centers
  • SAMSHA Hotline for treatment referrals and information
    • 1-800-662- HELP (4357)
    • Services are provided in English and Spanish, 24/7 for all individuals and/or family friends of those looking to address their substance use to discuss treatment options
  • Find a New York Addiction Center
LGBTQIA+ Resources