How do I get to speak with someone at the Counseling Center?

The Counseling Center has walk-in hours for initial contacts, questions, and concerns on Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. You can come to the Counseling Center at the Suites on Maple East, Room G31 (CHWB building) at that time. You may have to wait to see a counselor. If you would prefer to set up an appointment at a specific time, it is best to call us at 724-357-2621 and ask about an initial appointment time, or you can stop by Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and set up an appointment through our front desk.

How much does counseling cost?

There are no fees for students who have paid tuition and the university's Wellness Fee. 

What about my privacy?

The faculty and staff are highly concerned about your privacy. In addition, federal law, laws of the Commonwealth, professional standards, and ethical guidelines all establish that your privacy is afforded the most serious protection.

As a result, the fact of your making contact with the Center, in addition to whatever you tell us, is kept confidential by our personnel. Records pertaining to your work are maintained in locked equipment in secure facilities. There are some exceptions to this protection. You may provide us with written permission to release specific information to specific people or to discuss your concerns with persons you designate. Finally, we are obliged to notify relevant individuals if you are at risk to harm yourself or someone else, or if there is direct evidence of ongoing harm to a child.

What kinds of things do people talk about in the Center?

The Counseling Center works with students who are dealing with a wide variety of personal, social, educational/vocational, and family concerns. Anxiety, depression, and grief are often reported as a result of problems in these areas. Coming to the Center does not mean someone is crazy. We see 400 to 500 students for counseling and take 300 to 400 other calls about other student-related concerns in a typical academic year.

Who provides the service?

Six faculty members who are licensed psychologists provide services directly, with the assistance of eight to 10 graduate student trainees. Trainees receive direct, individual, and group supervision every week and are experienced clinicians. The Center has limited access for student clients to see a psychiatrist.