Department of Mental Health & Counseling Services
Mission
The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services creates a campus environment that is safe, growth fostering, and prioritizes the psychological, social, and emotional well-being of our college community. Employing a holistic approach to mental health, the Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services offers confidential, individual and group mental health services to students, as well as programming, outreach, and psychoeducation initiatives to the broader College community.
Hours of Operation
Mon – Thursday: 8a.m.-5p.m.
Friday: 8a.m- 4p.m.
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Scope of Services
The Department of Mental Health & Counseling Services is a comprehensive college counseling center. As such, DMHCS provides a full array of clinical services to students, as well as non-clinical services to students and the broader College community. The aim of services is to support student mental health and wellbeing, educate the WCC community on mental health topics, normalize and promote utilization of mental health services, and provide access to resources for further mental health support.
The Department of Mental Health & Counseling Services services are free of charge for students and protects student privacy and confidentiality. Information from a student’s confidential record is only released if the student gives written consent. Faculty, university administrators, and parents do not have access to Mental Health & Counseling records.
By law, there are limited exceptions to this rule in cases of minors, health or safety emergencies, and court subpoenas. Licensed Mental Health Professionals are mandated to report specific information only when there is the possibility of harm to a student or another person, in cases of abuse of a child, elder or disabled person, or under court order. Information regarding confidentiality and limits to confidentiality is outlined in the Informed Consent form given to students during the first meeting.
The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services provides individual mental health counseling services to students currently enrolled in credit baring classes at SUNY Westchester Community College. All students currently enrolled in credit and non-credit baring courses are eligible to attend group counseling services, programming, workshops, and trainings. Follow all of our programs on our Events Calendar.
Alumni and prospective students are not eligible for individual or group mental health services. Some non-clinical services, such as programs including trainings, workshops, and presentations may be open to non-students (ie: faculty, staff, alumni, and family members). All people seeking support that are not eligible for services provided by the Department of Mental Health & Counseling Services are encouraged to explore local resources on our Community Resources page.
The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services aims to embrace all aspects of a student’s identity and experience. Licensed Mental Health Professionals honor the ways in which ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, culture, religion, and/or positionally can influence one’s mental health and well being. Awareness of systems of injustice and clinician cultural humility are central to the services provided within DMHCS.
The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services provides services in-person and through Zoom for Healthcare. Students are eligible for telehealth services if they are currently enrolled in courses at WCC and are located in the state of New York at the time of their session.
