Counseling Center FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What services is the Center offering during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We're offering two types of individual services for currently enrolled NJCU students - short term individual counseling and Let's Talk. We're also offering a variety of support groups and workshops. Due to interstate restrictions on telehealth and license limitations, remote services for students currently residing in the U.S. but physically outside of New Jersey are limited to Let's Talk, support groups, workshops, and referrals at this time. We are unable to provide remote counseling services to students living outside of the U.S.

Counseling Services/Sessions

How long can I come for individual counseling?

Students must be enrolled for the current semester in order to receive services. Students will be eligible for up to six sessions per academic year (the academic year runs from September 1st through August 31st). We can provide off-campus referrals to students who require a higher level of care.

Do I get to choose the counselor I'll work with?

If you have preferences regarding who you'd like to work with, we'll do our best to accommodate your request.

Is there a wait list?

At times, due to very high demand for our services, the Counseling Center maintains a wait list of students requesting ongoing short-term counseling. When this is the case, when students request an initial appointment they'll be offered the following options: (1) to add their names to our wait list for ongoing services; (2) to schedule a Let's Talk session while remaining on the wait list for ongoing services. (3) to obtain referral information from us about local community mental health agencies and private practitioners who may be able to provide ongoing services sooner than we can; and (4) to remain on our wait list while seeking counseling elsewhere until an appointment slot becomes available with one of our therapists. Please be assured that we're doing our very best to continue providing students with quality services as quickly as our schedules allow. Thank you for your patience!

Can my boyfriend/girlfriend/parent come with me to the sessions?

Couples counseling is available if both partners are currently enrolled for the semester. We don't provide services to family members of students.

Will my professors or advisor know that I'm coming to counseling or what I'm discussing? Will counseling attendance be on my academic record?

Counseling attendance won't be included in your academic record. Information you reveal to your counselor will remain confidential within the limits of the American Psychological Association's ethical standards and the law. In general, your counselor cannot discuss your status as a client of our Center or your situation with anyone unless you have given written permission for them to release information about you. However, there are certain situations in which we must break confidentiality and report information to the appropriate person or agency. These situations are as follows: (a) if what you share indicates you're in imminent danger of harming yourself or others; (b) if what you share reveals evidence of child or elder abuse or neglect; or (c) if we receive a court order or subpoena.

If you've received counseling services from our office and you'd like us to release information to someone, please contact the Center to discuss your needs.

Groups/Workshops

How many groups and workshops do you offer?

The Counseling Center offers a variety of workshops and support groups. Please see our services for more details.

What are the benefits of support groups?

Validation, mutual support, and a safe environment to support each other.

What can I expect in support groups and workshops? Are they confidential?

Workshops and groups offer you a chance to expand your knowledge and learn new aspects or skills that correlate to each theme associated with each workshop or group. You do not have to share everything when you attend a workshop or support group. Co-facilitators strongly encourage full confidentiality.

Do I have to attend all of the workshops/groups?

This depends on the workshop/group.

How long can I come to support groups and workshops?

NJCU students may attend as many support groups and workshops as they'd like!

Where are workshops and groups held?

Most groups are located in GSUB 327.

How many people are usually in groups or workshops?

Groups tend to not have more than 12 people.

How long are workshops and groups?

60 to 90 minutes.

Do you have any virtual programs, resources, or services related to wellness and mental health?

Our Mindfulness workshop is held virtually. Please visit our workshop section for more details.

I am a student leader (or NJCU faculty/staff member). How do I request a health educator led well-being program or training for my group?

Please email the Counseling Center and include topic information, date, time, and number of students. Email: counselingcenter@njcu.edu

General Questions

What are the Counseling Center’s hours?

The Counseling Center’s hours are between Monday through Friday. 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Where is the Counseling Center located?

The Counseling Center is located in the Gilligan Student Union Building. Room 308.

How can I make an appointment?

Email the Counseling Center at counselingcenter@njcu.edu. Please include your name, student ID, availability and phone number, as someone will get back to you.

What do I do if the Counseling Center is closed?

If there is an emergency please call Public Safety (201-200-3128). If there is no emergency, email the Counseling Center with your name, student ID, availability and phone number, as someone will get back to you.

Who can visit the Counseling Center?

Any student currently enrolled at NJCU can visit the Counseling Center.

Are you seeing students virtually?

We encourage students to meet with us face to face.

Do I need to have specific problems to visit the center?

Having significant problems aren’t a necessity to visit the Counseling Center. You can visit the center if you simply want to talk.

Can my parents call and ask questions about me?

They can call, however, all information is confidential. We can't confirm or deny if you are a client. The only exception is if you are in danger

Is the center LGBTQIA+ friendly?

Yes! All students are welcome at the center!

Is the center a safe place to discuss BIPOC students mental health?

Yes! The center is dedicated to providing BIPOC students with services and support essential to their well-being and mental health regarding issues such as hate crimes, oppression, racism, and how marginalization affects the way we live and experience the world.

Does anyone on your staff prescribe medication?

No, but we do make referrals to off-campus agencies and psychiatrists in private practice when medication is appropriate.

Does anyone on your staff conduct psychological testing to diagnose learning disabilities?

No, but we do make referrals to off-campus professionals when an evaluation is appropriate.

I’m worried about a friend, what can I do to help?

The Counseling Center can educate and guide you with resources in helping your friend.

Please see: Recognize, Respond, Refer

For Faculty and Staff

How can I make a referral?

There are several ways to make a referral. You can provide a student(s) information about our services, encourage them to make an appointment, as well as email us (counselingcenter@njcu.edu) about your concern after talking with a student informing you are going to do so. A counselor will email the student and cc you with basic information to utilize our services. If the student is interested, they will be emailed directly. If you believe it will be beneficial to go through treatment, have the student complete a consent form.