Penn State Erie-Counseling-Student Life

Students typically encounter a great deal of stress during their college years (i.e. academic, social, family, work ,financial). While most students cope successfully with the demands of college life, for some the pressures can become overwhelming and unmanageable. Students may feel alone, isolated, helpless and even hopeless. These feelings can easily disrupt academic performance and may result in harmful behaviors such as substance abuse and attempts at suicide.

Personal Counseling Office

Penn State Erie
Reed Union Building
First Floor, Room 1
4701 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
Phone: 814-898-6504
Fax: 814-898-6455

Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
(Appointments preferred)

Crisis Services
Available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week by calling 814-456-2014 or through Police and Safety Services at 898-6231.

PERSONAL COUNSELING SERVICES

Initial Interview
During this private consultation, the student has the opportunity to discuss his or her concerns. If further services are indicated, the counselor may recommend group or individual counseling, suggest further evaluation, or refer the student to other services on or off campus. Occasionally, some students find that this initial consultation meets their needs and no further services are required.

Individual Therapy
Short term individual counseling may be offered to help students gain a deeper understanding of the sources of their difficulties. These insights are then translated into plans for action that the student can carry out in his or her daily life. For issues that would be better resolved through a longer-term individual approach, an appropriate referral to a community provider may be recommended.

Couples Counseling
At times, problems in relationships lead to stress and disruption in students’ lives. Couples counseling is an option when at least one partner is a full time student. Married, unmarried and LGBT couples are all welcome.

Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric services are available for Behrend students who may benefit from medication in addition to counseling. Our consulting psychiatrist is available to meet students’ needs. All students are assessed by a counselor prior to meeting with the psychiatrist.

Crisis Intervention
Sometimes, crisis situations arise that require immediate intervention (e.g. sexual assault, suicidal feelings, or death of a loved one). The student should alert the receptionist to the crisis nature of their situation and s/he will be seen promptly.

Outreach Programs
Programs are available on numerous topics including adjusting to college, depression, anxiety, and stress. The Personal Counseling staff has spoken in classrooms, residence halls, and within the community.

Consultation
Consultation by phone or appointment are available for students, faculty and staff members or parents who wish to talk with a professional about a student suffering from emotional stress, about counseling referrals or other issues.

Diversity
The Personal Counseling office welcomes all students and embraces a philosophy respectful of diversity. We are supportive of clients' gender, race, sexual orientation, cultural and religious backgrounds, and abilities. We are committed to helping all students deal with discrimination and identity issues.

A Special Note to Parents and Students

Students 18 and older, according to Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA), are considered to hold the privilege of privacy to any academic or health records. However, information may be released when there is clear and present danger to a student, another person, or to the Behrend community. In this case, only relevant information would be released.

This action is meant to ensure the safety of students themselves and the Behrend community. Parental support is encouraged.