What is counseling?
Counseling is a voluntary relationship in which a professionally trained psychologist or social worker meets with the student to discuss some issue or conflict. Counseling is a process by which change is sought through the expression of thoughts and emotions in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental forum. Counseling gives a student the chance to speak to a non-biased professional who is not affiliated with the student's friends or family.
The goal of counseling is to help the student better understand thoughts, feelings, and relationships, by looking at patterns of behavior. The student can expect a counselor to be someone who is available and interested in listening to the student's concerns. The counselor's role is to help the student develop effective strategies for coping with whatever is bothering him or her. The counselor should be focused on the student, and not on himself or herself or others.
Who should see a counselor?
Anyone who is:
feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, or lonely
having difficulty relaxing
worried about the future
noticing changes in eating or sleeping habits
gaining or losing weight
having difficulty adjusting to college life
having trouble attending classes, concentrating, or studying
having problems with friends or family
having difficulty making or keeping friends
worried about a friend and is unsure what to do
anyone who wants to talk.
How do I access services at the Student Counseling Center?
The Counseling Center emphasizes that no problem is too small to seek counseling for, whether academic or personal. Students access the services of the Counseling Center in many ways.
Students are encouraged to make an appointment either by calling the Center at 718-518-4461 or dropping in. We are located in the "C" building in room C-330. Students will receive an appointment with the next available counselor.
What if I'm having a crisis?
If you're experiencing a crisis, merely come to the Counseling Center in room C-330 and tell the person at the front desk that you are having an emergency and need to see a counselor immediately. An available counselor will meet with you. Intake staff will facilitate an immediate meeting with a counselor who may, depending on the situation, contact Campus Safety to arrange for the City's Emergency Services to come to the college to assist the student. We know that crises cannot be scheduled, so you don't need to make an appointment when you have an urgent need to speak with a counselor.
Do the services at the Student Counseling Center cost anything?
No. There is no cost to see the counselors at the Counseling Center, and we do not bill your insurance company if you have insurance. As long as you are enrolled at Hostos Community College (whether part-time or full-time), you have access to our services at no cost.
Who will my counselor be?
Our licensed staff includes masters-level counselors who offer a broad range of interests, approaches, backgrounds, and perspectives, though they function primarily as generalists. The intake coordinator will work with you to arrange an appropriate match if you will be returning to the Center for additional sessions. Read more about our staff.
What are my responsibilities in counseling?
To make the most of your counseling experience, it is best to attend your scheduled sessions, talk about what is bothering you as openly and honestly as possible, and challenge yourself to explore new ways of meeting the challenges you face.
Are there limits on the number of counseling sessions allowed?
The Counseling Center at Hostos Community College provides short-term counseling, which is about 8-10 sessions. Many students do not need all 8-10 sessions. The average number of sessions used is about 3-4, but this varies from student to student. Sessions are typically scheduled weekly, and range from a half hour to forty-five minutes, depending on your individual needs. Much of our focus is on helping you reach your academic goals and working through the challenges you are facing. If you require additional services, we will refer you to other resources within the community.
For students who want or need longer-term services, we will assist them to find low-cost services in the community. It is important to us that all students receive the mental health services they need and we will work with the student until they can secure appropriate care.
What if I get referred to the community?
If a student requires longer-term or more intensive psychotherapy or specialized care the Counseling Center cannot provide, we will make a referral to a clinician in the community who can provide that care. If you are referred to a clinician in the community, you will need to use your health insurance or pay out of pocket for that care. We will make every effort to make sure that referral fits your clinical and practical needs. If the referral is not working for you, for any reason, you are encouraged to contact the clinician at the Counseling Center that you initially saw to discuss your options.