Westchester Community College, State University of New York

The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services creates a campus environment that is safe, growth fostering, and prioritizes the psychological, social, and emotional well-being of our college community. Employing a holistic approach to mental health, the Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services offers confidential, individual and group mental health services to students, as well as programming, outreach, and psychoeducation initiatives to the broader college community. Find out more about our services on our Scope of Services page.

Whether you feel your struggles are big or small, if they are impacting you personally and/or academically, DMHCS are here for you. Reaching out is a sign of strength!

Students can make an appointment with a DMHCS Therapist via our online appointment request form, via email at MentalHealthServices@sunywcc.edu, or by calling our office during business hours at (914)606-7431.

The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services employs a short-term, solution focused treatment model focused on helping each student address their unique challenges in the most effective way possible.. The Licensed Mental Health Professional will work with the student to determine the number, type, and frequency of sessions that are appropriate based on the nature of the student's concerns as well as available resources. The limits to service are explained within the context of a discussion about each student's presenting concerns.

Yes. The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services protects student privacy and confidentiality. Information from a student’s confidential record is only released if the student gives written consent. DMHCS records are not kept as part of student academic record. DMHCS staff will not answer questions about any student from parents, family members, friends, significant others, professors, employers, or anyone else outside of the Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services. DMHCS will release information from counseling sessions to outside parties only upon written authorization from the student and other limited exceptions.

In addition to written authorization, the Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services may release confidential information when:

1. Student expresses plans to harm self
2. Student expresses plans to harm others
3. Abuse or neglect of a child, adult, elderly person, or other protected population is made known to the Licensed Mental Health Professional

By law, there are limited exceptions to this rule in cases of minors, health or safety emergencies, and court subpoenas. Information regarding confidentiality and limits to confidentiality is outlined in the Informed Consent form given to students during the first meeting.

The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services is committed to providing high-quality mental health care to students in a variety of ways. Licensed Mental Health Professionals are available to meet with students in-person or via Zoom for Healthcare for tele-mental health services. Available DMHCS services include:

1. Individual, short-term mental health counseling sessions offered in person or via Zoom for Healthcare; Learn more about our services here.
2. Support Groups in person and via Zoom for Healthcare- Find our schedule on our Support Group Page.
3. Programs, workshops, and trainings offered in different modalities; Keep up to date with our program and training offerings by visiting our Programs and Workshops page, our Training page, or our events calendar. You can also stay up-to-date with us by following us on Instagram @WCCMentalHealth.

Taking the step to address your mental health is brave! If you are a new student or have not met with a DMHCS Licensed Mental Health Professional in the past, the first step is to fill out our Appointment Request Form.

You will receive a response within 24-48 hours after submitting your form

Please note that in order to be eligible to receive tele-mental health services, you must:

1. Currently enrolled in courses at Westchester Community College
2. Be located in the state of New York at time of receiving telehealth services
3. Have access to Wifi and a private place to attend session via Zoom for Healthcare

The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services is NOT a crisis response service, nor is equipped to provide emergency care. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please utilize emergency services below:

Call

• 911 for Local Police and emergency services
  
• 914-606-6911 for WCC Campus Security
  
• Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline: 988 (Call or Text)
  
• Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio 1‐888‐628‐9454
  
• National Domestic Violence Hotline 1‐800‐ 799‐SAFE (7233)
  
• National Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
  
• Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
  

Go to the nearest Emergency Room

Students can access the online assessments, self-evaluations, and other resources below:

1. TAO (Therapy Assistance Online)
2. Anonymous Stress and Depression Questionnaire
3. Togetherall
4. Community Resources Page

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services expects 24 hour notice via phone call or email. If you cancel or miss a scheduled appointment, the DMHCS Therapist will contact you via phone and/or email to reschedule.