Counseling Center
Supporting students' mental and emotional health
We're Here To Help
We know you’re juggling a lot. Our counselors can help you explore the important issues and life decisions you face as a college student.
We offer individual and group counseling as well as community programs, to help meet your personal and academic goals. Confidentiality is highly regarded by our staff. Your records and conversations are held in the strictest confidence. Your parents, faculty and staff outside the Counseling Center cannot get any information about your counseling appointments, including whether or not you are being seen. We will not divulge information about you without written and signed release, except as required by law or professional ethics. The details of this will be discussed further at your intake appointment.
Personality and Mood Changes: Acting in ways that differ from values, or uncharacteristic emotional responses or agitation
Withdrawn and Social Isolation: Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, stops attending classes and keeps to themselves
Changes in Self-Care and Hygiene: Stops taking care of themselves and their environment
Changes in Academic Performance: Sudden change in grades or engagement in class
Changes in Substance Use: Increase in frequency or quantity of use or heavier use. Experience of bad outcomes from use
Hopelessness: Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness about their concerns
Unusual Sleep Habits: Sleeping a lot more or staying up all night and getting too little sleep
Statements Referencing Harm to Self or Others: Use of words such as suicide, wanting to die, or threats about hurting others
Carefully choose a time a place: Aim for a time the student is most available and a place they feel most comfortable.
Ask open ended questions and listen: Summarize feelings, ask questions, reflect what you hear. Sometimes people just need to talk and be heard.
Describe what behaviors you notice that concern you: Provide direct observations and facts, not hearsay.
Be prepared for resistance: It may be difficult to talk about a sensitive topic. Be open and reassuring.
Recognize your limits: Ask how you can help and encourage seeking care.
Refer to the Counseling Center or Health Center: Both are confidential. Offer to sit with them when they call for an appointment or walk with them to our offices.
1. In an emergency, call University Police at (781) 891-3131.
2. Refer a student to the Counseling Center (781) 891-2274 or Health Center. Both offer free and confidential care.
3. Submit a CARE Report online. During business hours, your report will be reviewed by a trained team of professional staff who can initiate help.
Counseling Center Services
Our clinicians can meet with you confidentially for a one-on-one appointment to discuss an issue or concern. Each meeting is typically 45-50 minutes. Stop in or call (781) 891-2274 to schedule an appointment. Before you meet with a clinician, you’ll need to complete the General Intake and Client Informed Consent forms.
In group therapy, 5-8 people meet face-to-face to share their experiences and concerns, facilitated by trained group therapists. Group therapy incorporates multiple perspectives and offers participants support, encouragement and feedback from others in a safe and confidential environment.
Visit our FAQ page to learn more about group therapy.
If you need long-term or intensive services, we can facilitate a referral to a mental health care provider in the community. Referrals are commonly made when:
-
Appointments are needed frequently or after hours
-
A mental health issue requires a specific therapy type
-
Long-term or ongoing psychotherapy is required
-
Issues don’t improve or worsen during short-term counseling
If you’re worried about a member of the Bentley community, you can speak with our staff about your concerns. You can also file a CARE report.
If you’d like a clinician to present information on a mental health topic for your student organization, class or team, call (781) 891-2274 or contact a clinician directly.
Counseling Center runs a four week workshop designed to help students better manage stress and anxiety.
Clinical Training Program
Each academic year, we select three doctoral-level Advanced Practicum Students for our highly regarded program. The wide range of presenting concerns, the quality of the supervision and staff, and the psycho-educational opportunities make this a well-rounded experience.