General Information

Table of Contents

 Why Seek Counseling?

Students visit the Counseling Center for many reason.. Some of which are:

Feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, or depression
A sense of sadness or hopelessness about a particular event
Feeling overwhelmed or stressed
Difficulty with motivation or procrastination
Academic problems
Concerns about relationships with friends, family, boyfriend/girlfriend
Homesickness
Difficulties with transitions
Pregnancy Concerns
Difficulties with eating or sleeping
Problems with alcohol or other drugs
Eating disorders
Rape, sexual assault, or relationship violence
Suicidal thoughts
Feeling that something is wrong and not being able to define it

 Confidentiality

All counseling services at the Counseling Center are confidential.

Students frequently ask the following questions about confidentiality:

  • What if a professor calls to find out if a student has gone to the Counseling Center?
  • What if a parent calls wanting to know if their son or daughter is getting help?
  • What if a future employer wants to know if a BSC graduate has ever received counseling?

The Counseling Center staff takes its policy on confidentiality extremely seriously. No matter who calls seeking information about students or alumni, the answer is always something like this: "We are not allowed to disclose any information about students without a written release of information from that student. Therefore, we are not even able to tell you whether a person has ever sought services here."

That means that students can seek services at the Counseling Center and rest assured that no one will know their business unless the student gives his or her permission for the counselor to release information. There are only three exceptions to this policy:

Exceptions to Confidentiality:

  1. The first involves safety: If a student discloses to a counselor that he or she feels like they can not prevent themselves from killing or seriously harming themselves or another person, the counselor may need to break confidentiality. That doesn't mean that students can’t talk about suicidal or rageful feelings. Lots of students go through times when they feel this way. It’s just that if a person feels these things to such extremes that they can’t control themselves from carrying it out, their counselor may need to break confidentiality to protect a person from harm.
  2. Another exception to the policy is when the student tells the counselor about someone being abused who is either under 18, over 65, or disabled. In these cases, the counselor is mandated by law to disclose that information to the Massachusetts Department of Social Services. The reason for this is to make sure that people who can not protect themselves are being protected by the law and by state services.
  3. The final exception to the policy is when a judge forces a counselor to turn over records to a court of law. This is very rare and only occurs when students are involved in some sort of legal proceedings such as custody cases and law suits.

Informed Consent

Our policy about confidentiality is based on state law and the ethics of the counseling profession. We believe strongly that students should be aware of how these policies work before they begin counseling. This is known as a client’s informed consent. Counselors talk with students about these and other related issues in their first session.

What if a student wants their counselor to talk to a professor or someone else in their behalf?

Students sometimes want their counselor to contact a professor or physician or other person. This can be done easily by filling out a ‘release of information form,’ which gives your written consent to release certain information to a specific individual.

A statement about e-mail: Due to the fact that e-mail does not provide the security of confidentiality, counselors do not communicate with students using e-mail.

In order to provide you with the best possible service, your counselor will, at times, seek consultation with other BSC Counseling Center staff members. All information shared in this consultation is, of course, confidential.

 Group Counseling

Each semester the Counseling Center offers a number of therapy and support groups about a variety of topics.

Please check back soon for upcoming groups.

            Click here to learn more about group counseling.

 Short-term Individual and Couple Counseling

All registered BSC students are eligible for an initial consultation appointment with a counselor at the Counseling Center. Some students don't need more than that one appointment. Those students who need or desire follow-up sessions are seen on a short-term basis (typically 1-12 sessions) at the Counseling Center, or they are referred off campus for follow-up counseling.

  • We provide counseling to individuals and to heterosexual, same sex, and transgendered couples.
  • Counseling sessions will be provided at a maximum of one session per week.

 Insurance Coverage For Counseling

Services at the Counseling Center are paid for by student fees and are free to all students. Those students who wish to use outside mental health providers should consult their health insurance coverage for mental health services.

BSC Student Health Plan: As part of the benefits provided under the Student Health Plan, outpatient mental health and substance abuse counseling will be covered up to $2,000. Inpatient treatment will be covered up to 60 days, not to exceed $50,000 in coverage. 

Use this link http://www.universityhealthplans.com/  to Consolidated Health Plans for more information about your health plan or call 800-437-6448. 

  • Group Number:  S210609
  • Policy Number:  302-533-2007

Non-BSC Health Insurance: Each student is required by Bridgewater State College to have health insurance. If you are in need of counseling, you should follow the directions of your private insurance policy. Many health care insurance companies issue individual insurance cards to students and/or their families. These cards should provide you with information on how to access your mental health insurance benefits and referral resources for your health care needs.

 How can I make an appointment?

Call or drop by to schedule an appointment.

Cheri Amaral
Tillinghast, Room 013 (In the hall between Health Services & the Mail Room)
Call 508-531-1331
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Monday through Friday)
The Counseling Center Staff IS NOT available via email.


Last Modified: October 26, 2009