Mental Health & Counseling Services
We support and enhance your health and wellness by providing person-centered and strengths-based mental health services — counseling is a team effort between you and your counselor, built on a unique and confidential relationship.
Mental Health Services
Access Free Counseling 24/7
You have access to free, real-time professional support 24/7 through the Student Assistance Program. Receive tools and resources to help manage stress and navigate a variety of challenges including:
- Depression/anxiety
- Cultural diversity issues
- Substance abuse
- Relationships
- Academic or career stress
- Financial or legal concerns
Developed by BHS, the Student Assistance Program is being offered as a free service to SUNY Plattsburgh students in addition to mental health services that already exist on campus.
To access the Student Assistance Program, you have the following options:
- Call 1-800-327-2251
- Text 1-800-327-2251
- Access the BHS portal at portal.BHSonline.com; username SUNYPlattsburgh
- Download the BHS app from either the Apple app store or the Google Play app store
Confidentiality
All contacts with the counseling center are treated with the utmost confidentiality.
In general, mental health ethics and law protect the privacy of all communications between a client and a counselor, and a counselor can only release information about you with your written permission.
Due to legal and ethical guidelines, there are certain situations in which all counselors will break confidentiality and are obligated to take action to protect a client and others from harm. These situations include the following:
- Your counselor has any cause to believe that you are at imminent risk of killing yourself or someone else.
- If your counselor believes that a child, an elderly person, or a member of a vulnerable population is being abused or neglected, he or she will be required to file a report with the appropriate state agency.
- In the event of a legal proceeding, a judge may order or subpoena your counseling records if the judge determines that the case demands it.
Learn More about our Services
- Consultation
A consultation is a first-time appointment with a counselor in the Student Health & Counseling Center. During this appointment you will provide information about your presenting concerns and history relevant to your presenting issue(s). You and the therapist will then determine a plan for moving forward. For issues that might be better served by on-going long-term therapy, a referral to a community provider might be explored.
- Individual & Relationship Therapy
Our primary focus is on short-term, goal-oriented therapy. Counseling sessions are scheduled every other week. If students need or want weekly therapy, referrals to alternative resources will be made. Students have a choice of in-person, telecounseling via HIPAA compliant Zoom or phone sessions.
Wait times for initial appointments average five to seven business days during the first half of the semester. After mid-semester, however, wait times can increase up to 15 to 20 business days.
We view our role as counselors as helping you to gain insight into your situation, strategize solutions, and develop valuable coping skills that will allow you to more effectively manage the challenges of college and life.
We believe your role as a client is to form a partnership with us, identifying specific goals for yourself and help us help you find solutions to the challenges you face. Couples are welcome for therapy. However, both members of the couple must be SUNY Plattsburgh students.
- Group Therapy
Group therapy focuses on developing insight, changing behavior and improving relationship skills. In the group setting, students struggling with similar concerns can share feedback with each other and learn new ways of coping. Group members typically meet weekly for 45 to 60 minutes with one to two group facilitators for the duration of scheduled groups.
Groups can change from semester to semester based on student and staff interests. For a list of current group offerings, call our office at 518-564-2187.
- Outreach
Counseling staff are available to provide interviews, training and educational outreach on a variety of mental health topics. Requests for interviews and outreach should be directed to the Assistant Director of Counseling, Christy Minck at [email protected] at least 10 business days prior to your event.
Please also understand that in regard to trainings and programs, during certain times of the year the clinical demands of our students take precedence. If we cannot meet your request, we will make attempts to assist you in considering alternative options.
Additionally, we do work collaboratively with the Title IX office in supporting programming for sexual and relationship violence.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or are in immediate danger, call 911.
Crisis Services
- Daytime Crisis Services
Daytime crisis services are accessible by calling or walking into the Counseling Center, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the academic year (except when campus offices are closed for the holidays). The phone number is: 518-564-2187 .
Examples of reasons to be seen for a mental health crisis include:
- You are having thoughts of suicide
- You are having serious thoughts of wanting to seriously harm or kill someone else
- You are seeing things or hearing things that others do not see or hear
- You are not able to take care of daily living skills (e.g., eating, sleeping, bathing, etc.)
- After Hours Crisis Services
After hours and on weekends, students in need of mental health emergency services should contact University Police at 518-564-2022, dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
In Plattsburgh, the nearest emergency room is located at:
University of Vermont Medical Center – Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital (UVMHC – CVPH)
75 Beekman Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901 - Community-Based Crisis Services
Emergency Assistance
Dial 911 to reach your local police department or an ambulance.
Crisis Assessment
Go to your nearest hospital emergency room and ask for assistance, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
In Plattsburgh
UVMHC/Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital (CVPH)
75 Beekman Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Find CVPH on Google MapsPhone Support
Clinton County Suicide Hotline: 1-866-5PREVENT (1-866-577-3836)
National Support
- National Crisis Text Line: text HELLO to 741-741
- 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
- National Suicide Prevention Line: 988
We serve students by assisting with problem resolution, enhancing coping skills, helping during times of crisis, expanding personal growth and supporting academic success.
Mental Health Referral Options
- Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN)
Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN)
A non-profit community mental health agency. BHSN operates a NYS Office of Mental Health licensed mental health satellite clinic as part of their school-based mental health services.
Students can receive services at the on-campus satellite office in the Student Health and Counseling Center by receiving a referral from Student Health and Counseling Center providers/counselors/psychiatrist. Students may also self-refer.
For additional information regarding BHSN or to make a self-referral, call 518-563-8000 and ask to speak to the intake coordinator for school-based services.
Please be sure to identify yourself as a SUNY Plattsburgh student and make sure you have a copy of your health insurance card when you call.
How to self-refer for BHSN school-based services at SUNY Plattsburgh:
- Call BHSN at 518-563-8000 and ask to speak to the School Based Intake Coordinator.
- State that you are a student at SUNY Plattsburgh and would like to set up services with the SUNY Plattsburgh counselor.
- Please be prepared to state your insurance information, demographics (date of birth, address, phone number), description of presenting concerns, and any past history of mental health services.
- If the Intake Coordinator is not available, please leave a message with your name, phone number, and state that you are interested in school-based services at SUNY Plattsburgh. They will return your call as soon as possible.
- Online Therapy & Counseling
BetterHelp
An online therapy counseling resource available to the public and SUNY Plattsburgh students through a partnership with campus health insurance and the campus. BetterHelp offers free consultations to anyone who holds United Health Care health insurance. If you are Plattsburgh student who purchases the school's health insurance, you may be eligible for free tele-counseling through this services. International students carrying United Health Care student resources health insurance are entitled to FREE BetterHelp services at: www.counseling4students.com
BetterHelp Online Counseling Registration Guide
- Champlain Valley Family Services (CVFS)
Champlain Valley Family Services (CVFS)
A non-profit community alcoholism and substance abuse treatment provider.
CVFS operates a NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services satellite clinic on campus.
Students can receive services at the on-campus satellite office through referrals from professionals on-campus or by self-referral.
For additional information regarding CVFS or to make a self-referral, call 518-561-8480 and ask to speak to an intake coordinator.
Please be sure to identify yourself as a SUNY Plattsburgh student. Please make sure you have a copy of your health insurance card when you call.
- Nationwide Provider Directory — ThrivingCampus
ThrivingCampus
ThrivingCampus is a web-based application that gives your team and students access to a nationwide community of off-campus mental health providers who work with students.
Their goal is to make it easier for SUNY students to access off-campus mental health care near your campus, across the state of New York, and across state lines, including telehealth options. Check out this video: ThrivingCampus informational video.
About the Provider Community
Over 6,000 off-campus providers, including therapists, psychiatrists, group practices, clinics and agencies are already listed on ThrivingCampus across 50 states, including over 600 across the state of New York.
Meeting the Students Where They Are
We know that some students are able to seek help on their own and others require more support from us. ThrivingCampus created a provider directory for these reasons.
- Ward Hall Counseling Services Clinic
Ward Hall Counseling Services Clinic
A student counselor-training clinic. Faculty in the Department of Counselor Education supervises the clinic. Students working toward their master’s degree in mental health counseling provide counseling under the supervision of their faculty members.
All services are free of charge to SUNY Plattsburgh students. To make an appointment at the Ward Hall Counseling Services Clinic, call 518-564-2046.
Services are available during fall and spring semesters and closed during summer break.
- Off-Campus Resources
A variety of off-campus mental health resources are available to you if you are interested or would prefer to be seen off-campus.
Behavioral Health Services North
2155 NY-22B
Morrisonville, NY 12962
518-563-8000Clinton County Mental Health and Addiction Services
130 Arizona Ave #1500
Plattsburgh, NY 12903
518-565-4060National Alliance of Mental Illness-Champlain Valley NAMI-CV
304 New York Road
Plattsburgh, NY 12903
518-561-2685UVM Health Network-CVPH
Adult Mental Health Unit
75 Beekman Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518-561-2000For a current list of resources, please contact our office.
Additional Resources
- Online Mental Health Tools
Calm: a website with tools to help reduce anxiety, help you sleep better and feel happier
Headspace: a digital service that provides guided meditation sessions and mindfulness training. Its content can be accessed online, or via their mobile apps
Mental health associations in New York state: not-for-profit organizations that addresses mental health needs in counties across the state of New York.
View Mental Health Associations in NYS
Omvana: #1 app for meditation, focus, sleep, and inspiration tracks
TherapistAid: a website designed by therapist where you can find worksheets, videos, guides, and other tools to aid you in working on mental health issues.
A Comprehensive Guide to Eating Disorders and How to Help:
https://www.mswdegrees.org/resources/eating-disorders - Mental Health & COVID-19: Information & Resources
-
NY State COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline
-
NAMI Helpline:
-
Federal Disaster Distress Helpline
-
- BIPOC Mental Health Resources
BIPOC Mental Health Resources:
Curated in support of students, faculty and staff at SUNY Plattsburgh who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color — and to forward the cause of anti-racism.
Treatment Directories
BIPOC Mental Health Resources
The Asian Mental Health Project
Aims to educate and empower Asian communities seeking mental healthcare.
Behavioral Health Division of the Indian Health Service
Promotes the integration of behavioral health and primary care treatment, while respecting the balance, wellness, and resilience of AI/AN people.
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
Group aimed at removing the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing. They do this through education, training, advocacy and the creative arts.
Black Lives Matter Meditations
Guided meditation directed toward healing racial trauma.
Limited and selective free mental health service opportunities for Black men.
Health in Her Hue A digital platform connecting Black women to culturally competent healthcare providers, telehealth services, and health content.
Black Mental Health Alliance – 410-338-2642
Provides information and resources and a “Find a Therapist” locator to connect with a culturally competent mental health professional.
Provides access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, as well as training opportunities for students and professionals.
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Organization advancing health equity and social justice for Black women through policy, advocacy, education, research and leadership development.
Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
BLHF has launched the COVID-19 Free Virtual Therapy Support Campaign to raise money for mental health services provided by licensed clinicians in our network. Individuals with life-changing stressors and anxiety related to the coronavirus will have the cost for up to five individual sessions defrayed on a first come, first serve basis until all funds are committed or exhausted.
An initiative launched by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and NIMHD to raise awareness of the mental health challenges associated with depression and stress that affect Black men and families. Website offers an online toolkit that provides Omega Psi Phi Fraternity chapters with the materials needed to educate fellow fraternity brothers and community members on depression and stress in Black men.
An affirmation movement for Black women by Black women — includes affirmations, resources, therapist connection and events.
Ebony’s Mental Health Resources by State
List of Black-owned and focused mental health resources by state as compiled by Ebony magazine.
An app created by BIPOC folks for BIPOC community.
Prioritizes opportunity, action, validation, and healing for communities of color with a particular focus on Black girls and women. Includes a therapy fund to provide assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy nationally.
Connects individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities. Promotes the growth and healing of diverse communities through its website, online directory and events.
Explores and promotes the healing power of napping for BIPOC communities — with a focus on Black people — whose rest is challenged by the ever-present trauma in their lives.
National resource center for American Indigenous and Alaskan Indigenous communities for access to health, education and research.
Provides information on promoting mental health and developing positive coping mechanisms through a podcast, online magazine and online discussion groups.
Contains readings on the importance of self-care, mental health care, and healing for people of color and within activist movements.
Created as a response to COVID-19 pandemic — offers free therapy services to help people cope, including group support series four times per week.
Organization that provides mental wellness education, resource connection and community support for Black women.
Non-profit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness throughout the global Black community.
Organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.
Online community for Black women to seek support.
For indigenous youth: information about health, relationships, education—all things youth-centered. Also offers various contests and grants
Self-Care for Individuals Who Are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
We recognize that many mental health conditions are being triggered as a result of the coronavirus, the economic crisis and repeated racist incidents and death.
Learn more about mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.
-
Article on coping with anticipatory grief
-
Article on coping with traumatic stress
-
Article on Racial Battle Fatigue
Understanding and Addressing Social Determinants of Health that Impact Mental Health
-
Article on improving the health of Black Americans and the overdue opportunity for social justice.
-
Video on understanding the social determinants of health and toxic stress.
-
Video on the social determinants of toxic stress, specifically race and ethnic toxic stress.
-
APA Stress & Trauma Toolkit for treating Black Americans in a changing political and social environment.
-
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Page on Achieving Health Equity — Information about why health equity matters and what you can do to help give everyone a fair shot at being as healthy as they can be.
Ways to Take Action as an Ally or Champion for Community Members Who Are Black, Indigenous and People of Color
-
Article on being a white ally through word, actions and power.
-
Article on being a white ally for racial justice.
-
Community based organizations to partner with: Color of Change, Black Lives Matter, Change Zero, The Innocent Project.
BIPOC Mental Health Resources Page content partially adapted from NAMI National.View NAMI’s BIPOC Mental Health Resources 10/15/2020 ALO
- #HealWithIt Campaign for Health & Wellness
Our #HealWithIt campaign has students working to create a culture of inclusiveness and teach students, faculty, staff and the community about the eight pillars of wellness. Learn more:
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who Are the Counselors in the Counseling Center?
The counseling center is staffed by trained professionals from different mental health disciplines. All staff are licensed mental health professionals in their respective disciples.
- How Do I Arrange to See a Counselor?
Individual and relationship counseling services are available by appointment Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters. A listing of group offerings is also available each semester by contacting our office at 518-564-2187.
Crisis services are offered in our office during the business day by calling or coming in on a walk-in basis.
After hours and on weekends, students experiencing mental health emergencies should contact University Police at 518-564-2022, dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. In Plattsburgh, the nearest hospital emergency room is located at UVM Health Center-Champlain Valley Physician's Hospital, 75 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
- How Do I Access An Appointment Through the Client Portal?
You will be able to login for an appointment up to 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. For your first appointment, we recommend you allow 15–20 minutes to complete all necessary paperwork.
- Please login to the portal using your SUNY Plattsburgh user ID and password.
- Once you are in the portal, you will see a MENU on the left-hand side.
- Go to APPOINTMENTS. Once you are in appointments, click “Appointment Check In” and follow the instructions. If paperwork is required, you will be instructed to complete it.
- To start your Zoom appointment, click the tab on the right-hand side of the screen which says: “Click here to join the meeting.” Your session will start as soon as your counselor logs in to the Zoom appointment with you.
- Once you are in Zoom, you can use video to see your counselor or just audio to talk to your counselor like being on a phone.
If you experience any problems, you can call 518-564-2187 and speak with our front desk staff.
- How Much do Counseling Center Services Cost?
Services at the counseling center are free to all currently enrolled students of SUNY Plattsburgh who have paid the student health fee. The only additional fee is a no-show fee of $30/hour for a counseling appointment. No-show fees are charged when students do not provide at least a 24-hour business day notice for cancellation or rescheduling or fail to attend a scheduled individual or couples appointment.
- Will I Get Charged if I Miss an Appointment?
The Student Health and Counseling Center strives to optimize access to services. If you no longer want, or are unable to keep an appointment, please call us to either cancel or reschedule. Providing us with advanced notice enables us to fill that appointment spot with another student who needs services, and if needed, to reschedule your appointment as quickly as possible.
You will be charged a no-show fee if:
- You do not provide at least 24-hour notice for cancellation or rescheduling. If you have an appointment on a Monday, please call on Friday, which allows us time to schedule someone else into your appointment slot.
- You fail to attend a scheduled appointment.
The following no-show fees will apply to the following scheduled appointments as of Fall 2019:
Counseling Health $15 for 30 minutes $10 for 20 minutes $30 for 45 – 50 minutes $20 for 40 minutes $30 for 60 minutes We do recognize there are often legitimate reasons for missing an appointment. As a result, you have the right to appeal no-show charges. If you wish to do so, you must submit an appeal request form with the appropriate office within two weeks from the date of your missed appointment.
Counseling and psychiatry appeal forms can be requested from and submitted to the counseling center office. Health center appeal forms can be requested from and submitted to the health center office.
- Do You Have a Wait List to Get In to See a Counselor?No. The counseling center strives to see all students every semester. However, the wait time for appointments will vary at different times during the semester. The wait time for an initial appointment can vary anywhere from 3 business days to 15 business days, depending on what time in the semester a student calls for an appointment. Emergency appointments, however, are seen same day.
- How Long Does Counseling Last?The length of counseling depends on the needs of the student. Some students need only a few sessions to meet their particular needs. You and your counselor will decide what length of time is right for you. If a student requires long-term counseling or their issues are beyond the scope of the counseling center, a referral to an off-campus mental health provider may become necessary. If this is the case, the counseling center will work with the student on locating and transitioning to an off-campus provider.
- How Private Will My Visits to the Counseling Center Be?What you discuss with your counselor at the counseling center is confidential. We cannot share information with other parties without your prior informed consent. The only exception to this is in situations where your safety, or that of someone else, is at risk. In such situations our first priority must be to ensure student safety.
- Is Treatment With Medication Available Through the Counseling Center?Yes. We coordinate medication evaluations and ongoing medication management with our health center medical providers as well as our center psychiatric nurse practitioner. Our center can prescribe psychiatric medications for a range of emotional or psychiatric issues, if necessary.
- What Can I Do If I Think a Friend Needs Counseling?If you are concerned about a friend and are not sure about how to help them, we'd like to help you. Feel free to stop by to talk with one of our counselors — your conversation will be confidential. We'll explore ways on how you can talk with your friend about your concerns in a way that will be helpful, and how to refer them to the counseling center.