For Students
The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services provides free and confidential individual and group mental health services to currently enrolled Westchester Community College students. All services are provided in-person or on Zoom.
Reaching out is brave! Enrolled WCC students can Request an Appointment or consider filling out our free, anonymous Stress and Depression Questionnaire.
What’s Treated by the Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services
The Department of Mental Health & Counseling Services (DMHCS) is available to support students with any challenges that are impacting their mental health and wellbeing. There is no issue “too big” or “too small” to reach out and talk about with a DMHCS mental health professional. The DMHCS believes that every student deserves support to achieve their goals and live their most authentic life.
*Please note – some concerns may require types of support or levels of care that the Department of Mental Health & Counseling Services is unable to provide. If a DMHCS mental health professional determines that a student is in need of care beyond the DMHCS Scope of Services, that professional will work to connect the student with appropriate level of care.
Services Provided by Mental Health and Counseling Services
Individual Counseling, commonly referred to as therapy or psychotherapy, is the mental health support provided on a one-to-one basis between a licensed mental health professional and student. Individual counseling is typically solution-oriented, and sessions are geared towards direct interventions that can help students achieve identified goals, enhance coping strategies, increase resilience, and improve symptoms of mental health related struggles. Currently, Individual counseling services are provided in-person and remotely through Zoom.
In addition to individual counseling, group counseling can provide unique benefits including learning with and from peers, receiving feedback and support from
peers in a counselor-facilitated setting, and learning specific skills in a group
environment. The group topics and types offered evolve based on student need and current identified trends. In addition to being an effective treatment option for many presenting problems, group counseling may allow a student to receive more long-term services than would be available through individual counseling provided by DMHCS. Learn more about our Support Groups by visiting its webpage.
Some students may require more immediate, longer-term, and/or higher levels of care than can be provided by the Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services. In these circumstances, the clinician will work with the student to identify appropriate community resources. Clinicians will work with the student to identify potential barriers for accessing off-campus support. Partnerships and relationships are often created between DMHCS and community agencies/organizations to streamline referrals.
Clinicians may assume case management responsibilities for students on their caseload. Case management responsibilities may include but are not limited to: coordinating care or treatment with outside providers, arranging for evaluations and/or assessments, referring students to appropriate services on or off campus, and collaborating with support networks. When multiple service providers or parties are involved, the clinician will ensure necessary Releases of Information are completed to ensure prioritization of student’s rights and confidentiality.
Worried About a Friend?
Supporting friends can be stressful, and we have helpful information on how to approach and support a friend you’re worried about. Check out our Worried About a Friend page for more information on tips and trainings, and how to refer your friend to the Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services if they are a WCC student.
Looking for a Program or Workshop?
In addition to the services listed above, the Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services offers campus-wide programming and psychoeducation opportunities including but not limited to workshops, presentations, and forums on a variety of topics related to mental health and well being.
To stay up-to-date with our upcoming events and collaborations, follow us @WCCMentalHealth or check out our Programs and Workshops webpage. You can also check out what programs the Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services is hosting by clicking on our calendar below or by visiting the College’s Event Calendar.
In Case of Emergency