Counseling Center

Counseling services are free to all enrolled Thiel students and help students explore any personal concerns or problems in a safe and confidential setting as well as promote the success and academic performance of students at all stages.

An appropriate range of counseling services are offered that:

assist with adjustment to college life
contribute to efforts in resolving issues that are vital to healthy emotional development
help to cope with personal difficulties, issues or crisis

What is counseling?

Counseling is a short-term, individual treatment that assists in addressing developmental and situational issues and concerns.

When the Counseling Center is unable to provide the kind of assistance you need, we will assist in making a referral to an appropriate outside provider. There are a variety of reasons students may seek counseling. These include, but are not limited to:

Changes in mood state such as feelings of anxiety or depression
Relationship or family stressors
Drug or alcohol issues
Grief/loss
Difficulty adapting to college life or expectations
Personal or academic stressors
Self-esteem issues

When uncertain, contact the counselor to discuss your concern or problem.

Services and Programming

Initial consultation (first appointment)
Individual counseling
Topic-specific programming for groups
Group counseling and team interventions
Administration and Faculty consultation
Referrals to community resources

About the First Appointment

At the first appointment, referred to as the intake, the student and counselor will meet to discuss what issues or concerns have led the student to seek counseling. During this visit, the counselor and student will spend time getting to know one another, help the counselor to understand the student’s concerns and identify what type of services best fit the student needs. The initial appointment lasts approximately 50 minutes. Plans for a return appointment will be made based upon the student’s need, interest and motivation for counseling.

The counselor will be able to be an objective listener and be of support during a difficult time. Some students see asking for help as a weakness; however, seeking help is a sign of maturity and responsibility. College life brings about many transitions; it is common that feelings of loneliness, homesickness or feelings of anxiety or depression are seen in college students. Feeling unsure or not understanding your feelings, relationship issues, or conflicts with others are all reasons to seek help. It is helpful to talk to someone who can offer a different perspective. One thing is for sure, everyone feels these feelings at some time in their life. That is where counseling can help. If you are feeling like this, call the Counseling Center for an appointment.

Confidentiality

Any shared communication with the counselor is the decision of the student and remains strictly confidential.

No information will be released, without your written consent, nor will it become part of your academic record. Exceptions are legally mandated, in the case of life-threatening danger to self or another person or report or suspicion of child or elder neglect or abuse. The Counseling Center records can be subpoenaed, if sufficient cause is demonstrated in a court of law. The laws, mandates and ethical guidelines of the American Counseling Association govern the professional actions of the CC counseling professionals. Visit the American Counseling Association website for more information.

Resources

ULifeline is an anonymous and confidential online resource that provides reliable information about mental health topics (depression, anxiety, etc.) specifically to college students. Information is also provided about helping a friend who may be struggling emotionally or engaging in risky behaviors.

Also, information on mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities throughout the United States can be found online by visiting this website. For educational information on substance abuse treatment, as well as education on specific substances, visit this website.

Appointments

To schedule an appointment, contact the Director of the Counseling Center Melanie Broadwater, MA, LPC, NCC, at 724-589-2754 or email MBroadwater@thiel.edu

Emergencies