Individual Counseling
The Counseling & Student Development Center (CSDC) is a place for students to discuss personal, academic or vocational concerns. The CSDC provides a wide variety of services for students so they may grow as adults while succeeding in their academics.
All services are free and strictly confidential. Our counselors and psychologists are trained mental health professionals with concentrated study on the specific developmental needs of college students. The CSDC works with students in individual counseling on a short-term basis and helps to match students with off-campus services.
For Appointments
The Counseling & Student Development Center is currently offering mental health services by video and in-person appointments. Please call us (570-577-1604) to discuss your needs and indicate your preference for video or in person services. A counselor may be reached for a same-day phone appointment from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What to Expect
Your first contact with the Counseling & Student Development Center will typically be a screening interview (initial assessment) in which you and the counselor will make decisions about the type of help that would best meet your needs. During the initial assessment, it will be determined whether your needs are best met by the Counseling & Student Development Center or off-campus service providers. If it appears that you would best be served by off-campus services, we will assist you in locating a more suitable resource.
Individual counseling helps you to clarify your concerns, gain insight into yourself and others and learn ways to most effectively cope and/or resolve problems. During your first meetings, a counselor will attempt to gain an understanding of you and your concerns. Then, together, you will set goals for what you would like to accomplish. As counseling progresses, your goals may evolve or change. Counseling sessions are typically scheduled weekly or biweekly and last 45 to 50 minutes.
Individual counseling works best when you:
- Have some idea of what you would like to talk about.
- Feel motivated to do so.
- Feel comfortable enough with your counselor to address your concerns.
For those reasons, it is often helpful to think about what you would like to discuss during a counseling session and to spend time between sessions reflecting on your feelings and behaviors. Additionally, be sure to raise with your counselor any feelings or concerns relevant to the counseling process.
The Counseling & Student Development Center works with students in individual counseling on a short-term basis. You are encouraged to explore your needs with the counselor and together, you will discuss the length of counseling. Ensuring the safety and well-being of a student is at the core of how and how long we work with students.