Our Services

Counseling can be instrumental in the development of skills that help students effectively confront and cope with uncertainties and conflicts. Through sessions with a professional counselor, a student can clarify his or her thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Sessions also provide an opportunity to learn and practice skills for healthy living in a proactive way.

Individual counseling – Individual counseling provides an opportunity for self-focused exploration of feelings, attitudes and behaviors. On-campus counseling offered; appropriate referrals are made as necessary.

Resource library – Counseling Services offers a variety of self-help books and tapes that may be used in the office or checked out for extended use.

Our goal is to lead students to positive change and/or reinforce existing knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding overall personal health.

Students who take an active role in their own well-being tend to live healthier, more productive lives. You can improve your health, knowledge, attitudes, and skills by taking advantage of the resources we provide. It is with this awareness that we employ Peer Educators who are current Work/Study students that help the professional staff to provide programs for Orientation and Welcome Week, residence halls, classes, clubs, and by request. Peer Educators receive special training with Mental Health First Aid and are committed through leadership to model healthy living on campus. Individual “office hours” are available for students who may appreciate talking with a peer about issues such as homesickness, relationships, or roommate conflicts.

Peer Educators and Student Counseling Center staff work with Health Services, Athletics, Campus Life, Student Activities, Recreation and Intramurals, Residence Life, Academic Support Services, and Sodexo Campus Dining to provide a comprehensive wellness program. We also work to build coalitions and coordinate the provision of health services; identify resources; act as an advocate for health issues; and communicate health education needs.

Various educational programming are offered throughout the year for the campus community. Staff members are available to work with students to plan and present programs of interest. Past programs have included:

• Assertiveness Training
• Stress Management
• Relaxation Techniques/Meditation
• Diversity/Inclusion Awareness
• Sexuality and Relationships
• Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse Education
• Leadership and Motivation Training
• Eating Disorders
• Adult Children of Alcoholics
• Test Anxiety
• Communication Skills

Helpful links:

• What is Wellness?
• Health Education Links

The Student Counseling Center offers counseling, education and referrals for students having trouble with substances, who have family members who are substance abusers, or who simply want more information. 

Counselors are happy to work with individuals or groups whose lives are affected by substances. We work closely with and refer those in need to North Star Substance Abuse and St Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center for prevention and treatment.

The SAFE Program (Substance Assessment for Education) is a program of individual assessment and education for students who have had at least one alcohol or other drug violation. The purpose of the program is to prevent substances from interfering with the student’s academic and life goals while keeping that individual enrolled at Paul Smith’s College. It is neither an AA program, a punishment, nor an assumption that the student has a serious problem with drugs and/or alcohol. It enables a student to assess his/her use, look for possible problems, and receive some information about substances. SAFE is an assessment that helps students work with a counselor in examining their decisions to use either alcohol or drugs, evaluate that use, make informed decisions, recognize abusive behavior, and give that student more information about substance use. The program may individually or in a group setting help a student work on his/her personal needs around substance use. If further help is needed, an appropriate referral will be given.

Options for the program are at the discretion of the counselor and may include:

• An initial assessment and online education
• An initial assessment and 2 hours of personalized education
• A referral for off campus evaluation and treatment if necessary. (A list of local agency resources is available through the Student Counseling Center.)

 

The Student Counseling Center also provides:

• Referrals to other college or community resources.
• Advocacy and support for anyone who needs it, including those struggling with emotional or physical limitations, LGBTQ students, women, those with academic concerns and diversity issues, non-traditional students, international students, and more.
• Affirmative Action and harassment help and information for students
• Sexual orientation support and information.
• Health education information for sexual assault, harassment, substances, stress, and more.
• Support for women and other minorities on campus regarding special issues which pertain to them.
• Career Counseling – to help you focus your energies and make decisions regarding your future career.
• Personality inventories, such as Myers-Briggs.
• Transition information/help for entering students.
• Non-traditional students (parents, married, over 24, veterans, commuter) support.