Counseling Services
Mission Statement
Counseling Services at Gwynedd-Mercy College is committed to providing a safe environment for students to discuss concerns which may impede academic progress and/or personal growth. Counseling Services supports the development of the whole person and serves the Gwynedd-Mercy community by providing programs and workshops regarding mental health, wellness, and overall student success.
GENERAL INFORMATION
At Counseling Services, we:
- Provide supportive counseling for students with personal concerns and/or adjustment issues
- Refer students to outside supports when necessary or requested
- Provide information concerning community resources relating to emotional wellness and mental health issues
- Provide a variety of psycho-educational programs for students, faculty and staff
- Offer consultation to faculty, administration, and staff regarding students' concerns
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Who can use the services at Counseling Services?
A. Any student enrolled at Gwynedd-Mercy College can be eligible to receive counseling services through Counseling Services.
Q. How much does it cost to see a counselor?
A. Counseling Services at Gwynedd-Mercy College are provided to students at no cost.
Q. Where is Counseling Services located?
A. Counseling Services is located in The Griffin Complex, on the 2nd floor, along the window hallway of Rotelle Lounge.
Q. What hours are counselors available?
A. Counseling staff are available Monday-Friday from 9am to 6pm. The Counseling offices are open August-May of every academic year. The Counseling office follows the College with closings and therefore are not open during holidays or weather related closings.
Q. What kinds of problems do students discuss with a counselor?
A. Any personal issue can be discussed in counseling. Some examples are:
- Academic adjustment issues, grades
- Abuse (emotional/physical/sexual)
- Anger, aggression
- Anxiety, fear
- Communication issues, assertiveness
- Depression
- Difficulty with alcohol, other substances, food
- Grief
- Personal crises
- Relationships: intimate, family, friends
- Sexual identity issues
- Stress
- Time management
- Traumatic experiences
Q. How do I make an appointment to see a counselor?
A. An appointment can be made directly with any counseling staff via phone or e-mail. A student may also stop in to Counseling Services (The Griffin Complex, 2nd floor, window hallway of Rotelle Lounge) to schedule an appointment. Requests for appointments are scheduled as soon as possible and with great consideration for the student's schedule.
To schedule an appointment,
e-mail: counseling@gmc.edu
or
Jeanne McGowan, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
215-641-5571
Q. How often can I see a counselor?
A. The frequency of appointments and length of time in counseling varies depending on the individual. While there are no established limits to the number of times students can seek counseling, those who require more comprehensive support (i.e. more than a weekly session with a counselor) will be referred to off-campus resources as appropriate.
Q. Are counseling records confidential? Are counseling records part of my academic record?
A. Counseling Services records are confidential and are separate from a student's academic records. Counseling staff follows HIPAA guidelines for record keeping. No information from Counseling's records will be released without a student's full consent by signing a Release of Information. Confidentiality regarding services is maintained not only in the campus community but with family members and outside service providers as well. The only time a counselor will not keep a student's information confidential is when a student presents as a risk to harm themselves or others. In these rare circumstances, counseling information may be shared without the individual's permission but only to the extent necessary to protect the individual or other persons being threatened.
REFERING TO COUNSELING SERVICES
Counseling Services at a Gwynedd-Mercy College is committed to supporting students with accomplishing their educational goals by assisting with identifying strengths, supports and resources which will aid in resolving problem areas. A counselor can help students to explore and express feelings; to examine beliefs and ways of thinking about the world; to reflect on patterns of behavior; and, to work toward making healthy changes. Counseling Services offers a safe atmosphere for students to discuss concerns and work towards furthering personal growth. Off campus resources may be utilized instead of, or in addition to, the counseling services provided on campus.
Referral guidelines for Students, Faculty, Staff and Administration
Counseling is most effective when it is a voluntary process and students benefit more from counseling if they themselves seek out support. For these reasons, Counseling Services recommends that concerned parties speak to the students and:
1. Tell the student you are concerned about him/her and why
2. Explain the resources available at Counseling Services
3. Recommend/encourage the student to contact Counseling Services for an appointment
4. Offer to help the student make contact by walking them over to see a counselor and/or be present for support when the student makes the call for an appointment
COUNSELING STAFF
Director of Counseling Services
Jeanne McGowan , MSW LCSW
ext. 571 or 215-641-5571
Counselor/Disability Support Services Coordinator
Dan Jordan, MC LPC NCC CCDPD
215-646-7300, ext. 427
Alcohol and Other Drug/R.A.I.S.E. Counselor
Abby Platt, M.S., NCC
215-646-7300 x395
Graduate Clinical Intern
Kristen Hawk, BA MS graduate intern
215-646-7300 ext408
CONFIDENTIALITY
The Counseling Services records are confidential and kept separate from academic records. Only in the rare instance where an individual may present a threat to harm themselves or others may counseling information be shared without the individual's permission, and then only to the extent necessary to protect the individual or other persons being threatened.
EMERGENCIES
DURING office hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.):
Psychological emergencies (risk of harm to self or others) are seen immediately. Please contact the Counseling Staff at ext. 571 or ext. 427 and/or Public Safety at ext. 111.
AFTER office hours (6 p.m. to 9 a.m.):
If a psychological emergency (risk of harm to self or others) occurs outside of the Counseling Services hours, please contact Security at ext. 111 immediately. Security will notify Counseling Services staff and/or professional staff in Resident Life as appropriate.
COMMUNITY TREATMENT CENTERS
Abington Hospital
1200 Old York Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-481-2000 (press 1 for medical emergency or ask for crisis)
www.amh.org
Belmont Behavioral Health
4200 Monument Road
Philadelphia, PA 19131
215-877-2000
www.einstein.edu/facilities/belmont
Brooke Glen
7170 Lafayette Avenue
Fort Washington, Pa 19034
215-641-5404
www.brookeglenhospital.com
Eagleville
100 Eagleville Road
Eagleville, Pa 19403
1-800-255-2019
www.eaglevillehospital.org
Friends Hospital
4641 Roosevelt Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19124-2399
1-800-889-0548
www.friendshospitalonline.org
Horsham Clinic
722 East Butler Pike
Ambler, Pa 19002
215-643-7800 or 1-800-237-4447
www.horshamclinic.com
Montgomery County Emergency Services
50 Beech Drive
Norristown, PA 19403
610-279-6100 or
1-800-452-4189
www.mces.org
Renfrew
475 Spring Lane
Philadelphia, Pa 19128
1.800.RENFREW (736-3739)
www.renfrewcenter.com
Victim Services Center of Montgomery County
18 W. Airy Street
Norristown, PA 19401
24 hr. Crisis Hot line: 610-277-5200
Other serious crime: 610-ASSIST-1 (610-277-4781)
www.vscmontcopa.org
Women's Center of Montgomery County
101 Washington Lane
Extension Manor WCI
Jenkintown, PA 19046
215-885-5020
www.wcmontco.org
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