We are here to help you grow
The Counseling Center staff facilitates students' personal, social, and intellectual growth and adjustment to and engagement within the university community. We are here to help you work through personal barriers, normal developmental issues and stressors, and clinical problems which could otherwise become a barrier to your academic success.
As a multidisciplinary team, we have licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, licensed substance abuse counselors, certified clinical supervisors, and supervised graduate clinicians available to guide you through your stressors.
Need help today, but it's not an emergency?
Drop-In Support
We are excited to now offer brief, informal, supportive consultations through our drop-in services! Drop-in hours are available at the CHWC to help provide more informal consultations for students in need of brief personal support or referral information about other resources at CHWC and campus-wide. These appointments last around 20-minutes and are designed to help you work through a specific problem.
Drop-in is available every weekday, Monday through Friday, from 2:00-4:00pm.
In Crisis? Call us
Emergency Services
Are you, or another student, experiencing thoughts to end your life, harm others, or injure yourself? Don't wait - we're here to help. We are available 24/7/365 to provide crisis management, consultation on a student, and immediate support for an emergency.
Think you might need to start therapy?
Come see us for a consultation to start either group or individual counseling. We offer both in-person and telehealth appointments; You decide what is most convenient for you.
Wondering what to expect?
Call us to set up your first-time appointment at 973-720-2257 any weekday between 9am and 4pm. Our support staff will ask a series of safety questions, and guide you through completing consent forms and background information so we best serve your needs.
Please make sure to check your WPU student email and Student Health Portal to access all of the required documents and forms you might need to get started.
What is group counseling?
Group counseling is a confidential, unique experience that allows members to practice communication skills, experiment with new behaviors, and strengthen social peer connections. Group size is typically 8-10 members and 1-2 CHWC Professionals will be leading the group. Members listen, identify, and provide effective and supportive feedback on a variety of topics.
Interested in group? Fill out the interest request here, or call us at 973-720-2257 to get started!
How do I make an appointment?
Take these very brief steps to get connected to our center:
Be a currently enrolled WPU student
The person seeking support must call themselves (973-720-2257)
Complete a brief phone screening with our support staff
Know your schedule and availability for a first-time consult
Is there a cost?
No, we do not charge fees for counseling.
What can I expect at my first appointment (the consult)?
All first appointments are "consults." These are 30-minute assessments with a counselor to discuss your treatment goals, learn about the counseling process, and explore treatment options both at and outside of the university. You can make a decision at this time with the counselor if therapy is right for you, and if so, what specific services are best for your needs.
What can I expect during my counseling treatment?
The process of counseling requires a purposed and collaborative relationship between you and the counselor to address and identified problems or barriers affecting your personal functioning. Counseling is an educational, solution-focused, and growth-oriented process that may help increase your sense of self-efficacy and perspective to cope with or resolve the presenting problems.
The CHWC utilizes a short-term counseling approach to address treatment needs. Both you and your therapist will determine goals and agree to work during a specific number of sessions. Students interested in long-term counseling, or consistent therapy throughout their college experience, can visit our center to discuss long-term counseling referrals.
What if I have an emergency?
We offer emergency support 24/7/365 by calling 973-720-2257. This is not a counseling service, but rather an emergency service to provide students, families, and the campus community with consultation and referral during a mental health emergency.
What about privacy?
Information about your attendance or participation in counseling is protected under Federal HIPPA Law. No counseling or health-related information can be provided to any university or outside entity without your signed consent. However, emergency personnel may be notified in cases where a student makes a direct threat of homicide or suicide in accordance with NJ State Law.
I received a message from a counselor asking to speak to me - Why did this happen?
In short, this means that someone had expressed concern about you and felt that the CHWC could be of some support. We view these types of contacts as an opportunity to provide you with information about our services and offer you support. Even if you are not interested in services now, it can be helpful for us to know that you received our message so that we can respect your wishes for no further outreach.
Paying attention to your emotional well-being can affect your ability to carry out everyday activities and your relationships. How you react to your experiences and feelings can change over time. Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times. There are several ways you can self-help and attend to your emotional health.
See the resources below that can help you on your journey:
Ted Talks for Mental Health
Ideas About Mental Health (ted.com)
Mindfulness exercises (guided videos topics including: grounding, breathing exercises, values, body scan, and self-compassion practice
Mental Health Apps
https://www.happify.com/
https://www.headspace.com/
National Institute of Health Wellness Toolkit
Resources for Parents (wpunj.edu)
William Paterson University
300 Pompton Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
973-720-2000
Stay Connected
