Counseling Center Brochure
The Counseling Center offers a range of psychological and counseling services for William & Mary students. For example, we provide professional help in the following areas:
Psychological issues
depression, anxiety, suicidality, eating disorders, substance misuse/abuse
Personal concerns
identity issues, sexuality, self-esteem, assertion, family problems, stress management
Interpersonal issues
communication skills, dating and relationship issues, conflict management
Crisis intervention services
acute stress, sexual assault, death of a family member or friend
In general, we are available to discuss any important personal concern a student may be facing and work with that student to develop new ways of resolving the problem or managing the concern.
Students are initially seen by an individual counselor. Continuing services, if needed, may be offered in the form of individual, couples, family, or group meetings, depending on staff availability and what best matches the student's need. These services are free of charge to enrolled students.
Staff
The Counseling Center staff consists of both male and female psychologists, counselors, and social workers. All are trained and experienced in dealing with issues facing university students. Doctoral candidates in clinical psychology, working under close supervision, also provide counseling services. A sport psychologist is available for students interested in learning cognitive strategies to enhance their athletic performance. Psychiatric consultation can be arranged when needed.
Appointments
Appointments may be made by calling the Counseling Center at (757) 221-3620, or by coming to the office in person. Appointments will be scheduled as soon after the initial request as possible, depending on the urgency of the situation and staff availability. In most cases, we can offer appointments within a week of the initial request, although it may be longer during periods of high demand (midterms to finals). After an initial evaluation, a student continuing in counseling will be assigned to a staff member as openings become available. Please note that there is a greater availability of appointment times at the beginning of the term than at the middle or end of the term. If appropriate, a student may be referred to other sources of help after initial evaluation.
Cancellations and missed appointments. Due to the high demand for services offered by the Counseling Center, missed appointments result in lost opportunities for our staff to work with other students who might need help. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call to cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Emergencies. In the event of an emergency during the academic year, a student can be seen almost immediately. During regular working hours, a student can come directly to the Counseling Center at located on the 2nd floor of the McLeod Tyler Wellness Center, or call the office at (757) 221-3620. Emergency services are also available after hours and on weekends by calling the Campus Police at
(757) 221-4596 or a Residence Hall Area Director, who will immediately contact the Counseling Center staff member "on call" for that day. During summer and college vacations, after-hours emergency services are available from Williamsburg Communtiy Hospital at (757) 259-6005.
Confidentiality
Counseling is confidential. Because therapy is most effective when a student can be direct and honest with a counselor without fear that personal information will be divulged, the Counseling Center does not release information about a student without that student's written permission, except in the case of imminent danger to self or others, child/dependent abuse, court order, or where otherwise required by law. Notations of counseling are not part of a student's university record.
Outreach and Consultation Services
Depending upon available resources, Counseling Center staff are available to design and/or implement outreach programs on a wide variety of psycho-educational topics. Consultation services are offered to college administrative units, organizations, and academic departments to aid in effective organizational functioning.
Related Services Provided Through Other Offices
The following are outside the scope of services offered by the Counseling Center but are available through other offices or agencies:
- Intensive, long-term psychotherapy. Individuals who want or need to be seen more than once a week for an extended length of time will be referred to outside sources of help. Students with other special counseling needs which are beyond the scope of Counseling Center services will also be referred to off-campus resources.
- Evaluation and treatment of medical conditions. For medical conditions, students will be referred to the King Student Health Center or other appropriate medical facilities. Of course, there are situations where a student's psychological and medical problems are related, and in such instances the Counseling Center will work in coordination with the student's treating physicians.
- Vocational counseling, job placement, part-time, or summer employment. These services are offered by the Office of Financial Aid and Career Services.
- Approval of class schedules or help with course selection. These services can be obtained from the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and faculty advisors.
- Study strategies to enhance performance in reading, mathematics, English, and other subjects. The Office of the Dean of Students provides these services.
The Counseling Center has a strong commitment to meeting the needs of diverse people. In all individual and group services we strive to create an environment where all students feel welcome.
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
