Health & Counseling Services operates on a stepped-care model.  Students are seen for a same/next-day consultation during business hours, and then referred to the appropriate level of care based on their needs.  

Many students will be referred to one of our skill-building workshops to help address common issues like adjustment, stress, interpersonal conflict, and anxiety.  After completing these evidence-based workshops, most students find they do not need to seek regular counseling.

We also offer confidential, time-limited bi-weekly individual counseling sessions. Students work collaboratively with their therapist to determine the frequency of visits and session length. There is no-cost for services provided by our counseling staff.

If a student needs to be seen for more than one semester, or are in need of weekly intensive therapy, they will typically be referred to one of our excellent providers within the Rochester community.  Fees associated with off-campus services will be dependent on the student's health insurance carrier. 

Counseling Services staff are available for both consultation and crisis management. The college also has a Crisis Response Team under the auspices of the President and senior staff of the University, which is activated as necessary.

For immediate assistance, please contact Campus Safety on-campus or 911 off campus.

Health & Counseling Services can help students with their psychiatric medications in a number of ways.  Our Family Nurse Practitioners are experienced in prescribing medications for anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. They will also work with students' home providers to help ensure continuity of care while the student is at Nazareth. Lastly, for more complex psychiatric cases, students may be referred to an off-campus psychiatric specialist if needed.

Faculty and staff can call or email to speak with a clinician if they have specific concerns about a student.  Below are some tips for handling common student issues.

Addressing a student distress problem

• Speak with the student in private, specifically stating your reasons for concern. Mention concrete behaviors and observations rather than speculations about what the student might be thinking or feeling.
• Listen carefully, avoiding criticism, labels, and judgment. Offer support by expressing interest in the student's experiences and feelings. For more guidance about how to approach the conversation, contact us.
• If you feel the student would benefit from coming to Counseling Services, convey this to the student. When you do so, normalize help-seeking by letting them know that seeking help is courageous and that many students come to Counseling Services. Tell them what you know about our services and staff.  Feel free to walk them over to speak with a counselor at Health & Counseling. 

Unsure what to do? Contact us with questions.

Have you ever wanted to try out one of the Counseling Center's groups?  Workshops are a great way to ease into the idea of group therapy without feeling like you will be expected to share. They are time-limited and journal-based, meaning you will not have to participate out loud any more than you feel comfortable!

Anxiety Toolbox

This workshop focuses on helping you understand anxiety symptoms and build skills to manage these symptoms. The three sessions are divided into content that builds upon itself. The sessions include modules dedicated to (1) understanding anxiety, (2) introducing a method for slowing down and disentangling the experience of anxiety, and (3) developing alternative responses to anxiety. By the end of the workshop, you will have your own individualized plan for managing anxiety. 

Wednesdays 2:30-3:20pm (with IPAW-assist from Orion the therapy dog!) in Smyth 21

OR Thursdays 2:30-3:20pm in Smyth 21 (dog-free)

Please email Kathryn DeVinney kdevinn2@naz.edu if you are interested!

The Nazareth University Health and Counseling Center would like to acknowledge and thank our colleagues at Counseling Services, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo for generously sharing their Anxiety Toolbox program with us.  We would also like to thank The University Counseling Services at California State University, Northridge for working with us to implement this program.  

Self-Esteem Workshop: TBD

If you would like to be on the priority list for attending this workshop, please email kdevinn2@naz.edu

Learn to build social connections more effectively, understand yourself, and come together with others who are struggling to do the same. Open to both neurodivergent (ASD, ADHD, etc.) and neurotypical students!!

Fridays 12:10-1:00 at Health & Counseling beginning February 9

This group is for female-identified students who have experienced sexual assault and/or sexual abuse who are looking to manage the impact of that trauma in community with others.

If you meet the above criteria and it has been at least a year since you engaged in self-harm, substance abuse, experienced active suicidal ideation, or were hospitalized for mental health reasons, please reach out to Kathryn DeVinney kdevinn2@naz.edu. 

A full screening before participation is required to ensure safety of all group members.

A group to help learn coping skills to manage feelings of anxiety, sadness, or isolation and to process with others.

Mondays 12:10-1:05pm in Health & Counseling beginning February 5

This group is for students struggling with time management, executive functioning, and procrastination. Learn skills to help manage and share your successes! Open to students with or without an official ADD/ADHD diagnosis.

every other Tuesday 12:10-1:05pm in Health & Counseling beginning February 6