Welcome to Counseling Services

Introduction

This document will introduce you to the various services offered by the Counseling Services office, the Counseling Services staff, and how to access those services. But first, let's start with a general overview of what counseling is and how it can be helpful to you.

What is Counseling?

Counseling Session

Counseling is a collaborative process which involves the development of a unique, confidential helping relationship. In this relationship, the counselor acts as a facilitator in helping the client to understand more accurately him/herself and the world around him/her. Individuals are helped to understand their feelings and behaviors, their relationships with others, their particular situation, choices, and decisions. Discussion of whatever is important and relevant enables individuals to grow towards greater freedom in making mature choices and taking responsible action with themselves, relationships, family, and studies.

Why do Students come for Counseling?

Among the most common concerns which students bring to the Counseling Services are:

• Low self-confidence
• Finding, helping, or losing a relationship
• Getting along with others
• Puzzling or distressing emotional states
• Self-defeating behaviors
• Controlling use of alcohol and drugs
• Studying more effectively
• Life purpose and direction
• Making better decisions
• Examining career options
• Sexual identity concerns

Who are the Counselors?

The staff consists of qualified, trained mental health professionals and advanced graduate student interns with backgrounds in psychology and social work. Part time psychiatrists are also available to evaluate the need for and to prescribe medication, as appropriate.

You can learn more about our staff by clicking here.

Am I Eligible

Any full- or part-time undergraduate and graduate student currently enrolled at University at Buffalo may use our services. Services are free, voluntary, and confidential.

How Do I See a Counselor?

Reception

Visit or call Counseling Services, 120 Richmond Quadrangle, Ellicott Complex, North Campus, 645-2720, on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm and Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 am - 7:00 pm.

(Additional limited counseling hours are available at Michael Hall). The receptionist will arrange for you to meet with a staff member as soon as possible.

For after-hours emergencies, an on-call counselor can be reached by calling Campus Police at 645-2222.

What Happens Next?

During the first meeting with a counselor, you will be asked to describe your concerns and what you hope to gain from counseling. This is an opportunity for you and the counselor to decide whether Counseling Services is the best place for help. If appropriate, you will be referred to another resource, on or off campus. Or you may decide to continue counseling and to meet with a staff counselor to work on your concerns, either individually or in a group with others expressing similar concerns. Many students find that the initial interview itself is all they need to explore and clarify their feelings and options.

Who Will Know?

The Counseling Services staff regard your inquiries and discussions as private and confidential. No information of any kind is given to anyone unless you specifically request it in writing.

Services

Typical Counseling Room

Group Counseling. Counseling in groups offers a broad range of insight and support from peers and professional counselors. Groups allow for decreased isolation and enhanced learning about self and relationships in a trusting environment.

Individual Counseling. Many students meet with a counselor on a one-to-one basis to work through personal concerns. Most students are seen for less than one semester.

Couples Counseling. Couples counseling works toward alleviating the strains in a close relationship.

Crisis Counseling. Students in crisis (e.g., suicidal, psychosis, death of a loved one) have available to them same-day services and after-hours counselors-on-call.

Workshops
Skill-building workshops provide a structured presentation of information and skills practice appropriate to the students' personal development and career in the University.

Referral
Students may be introduced to resources which offer more or different services from those available through Counseling Services.

Outreach and Consultation
Our work extends beyond our office. Consultation is available for campus groups and individuals--students, faculty, or staff-- to enhance organizational and interpersonal effectiveness.

Information
We have a wealth of self-help handouts, brochures, and flyers on topics related to student life and more. . Much of this material is on-line -where you can browse through information on a broad range of topics, and print or download what you want for your own use. Check out our Self-Help section.

Training
Counseling Services also offers advanced clinical training for graduate students in Psychology and Social Work, and for Psychiatry Residents. Our Psychology Internship is accredited by the American Psychological Association. More information about our training opportunities can be found at the Training Section of this web site.

Research
As a member of the University community, part of Counseling Services' mission is the support and dissemination of research. Efforts are made to develop collaborations between staff and colleagues and students on empirical research and theoretical papers, both here at the University at Buffalo, and at other colleges and universities. More information can be found here.

Where is the Counseling Services office?

Waiting Room

The Counseling Services office is located on the first floor of Richmond Quadrangle of the Ellicott Complex, in Room 120.  

View a map of our location.

From the tunnel bus stop at the Ellicott Complex: Cross the tunnel and continue walking. Richmond is the building just around the bend. Enter Richmond and follow the signs to the Counseling Center.

From Millersport Highway and Maple: Take Millersport Highway north to North Forest Road and turn left onto North Forest. At the next light, turn left onto John James Audubon Parkway. At the next light, turn onto Frontier Road. Continue on this road until you reach the parking lot designated Richmond Lot on your left. You'll see a sign saying "Richmond Quadrangle: Counseling Center." We're on the left of the first floor of the building. There is a large identifying sign on the window.

Counseling Services has a satellite office on the South Campus at Michael Hall (Health Services). Call 645-2720 to schedule an initial appointment for services in either the Richmond or Michael Hall location.

• Meet the Staff
• Individual Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Workshops & Outreach
• Consultation...
• Pre-Doctoral Training
• Referral Suggestions

• Disability Services
• Wellness Education Services
• Health Services