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    • Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS)

    Bellarmine Campus Resources

    Owned by Melina Calle
    Last updated: May 13, 2024
    3 min read

    If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, including having thoughts of harming yourself, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

    Individual, short-term counseling is provided on the Bellarmine Campus by the University’s Department of Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS) for students currently enrolled in classes at Bellarmine. Students are eligible for six to twelve sessions per academic year. Sessions are free and confidential. If it is decided that a student needs a higher level of care than the University can provide, the counselors can provide referrals to community providers. We do our utmost to ensure that cost is not a barrier to receiving needed care, and can provide referrals to providers and clinics who offer sliding scale fees.

    During the intake appointment, the counselors gather a lot of information about what you are dealing with now and what you’ve dealt with in the past. The counselor evaluates whether therapy can address your treatment needs, or whether longer-term care in the community is the best option for you. Our goal is to get you to the care you need as quickly and smoothly as possible.  There are many factors that go into a mental health professional’s decision to recommend care in the community. Examples include, depression or anxiety, addiction and other conditions that are often best treated in a more appropriate setting.

    After Hours/Weekends

    If you are seeking non-emergency assistance for a crisis after hours, you may call these 24-hour hotlines:

    • Text 714741 to text with a counselor anonymously

    • 988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)

    Students who are in need of support when our office is closed can speak directly with an on-call mental health counselor:

    • Call C&PS (203-254-4000, 2146) from a cell phone or off-campus landline and press 1

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    Who is eligible for counseling?

    All students enrolled in classes at Bellarmine are eligible for counseling services at The Bellarmine Campus.

    What are some common reasons people come for counseling?

    Students seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Many students come for counseling when life events or academic stressors leave them feeling troubled or distressed. When these feelings last for more than a few days, you may find it helpful to speak with an unbiased, objective professional. Some common reasons for entering treatment include:

    • Depression

    • General anxiety including social anxiety

    • Difficulty adjusting to college

    • Drug and alcohol use issues

    • Eating and body image concerns

    • Stress

    • Relationship concerns

    • Family conflict

    • Dating violence or stalking concerns

    • Sexual assault survivor issues

    • Sexual Orientation and gender Identity

    • Career goals and aspirations

    How do I make a counseling appointment?

    To schedule an appointment for services students may:

    • Call the Bellarmine Counselor directly at 203-254-4000 ext. 3347

    • Stop by the office at Bellarmine Student Center room 209

    • Or call The North Benson Campus office 203-254-4000 x2146

     What can I expect from my first counseling visit?

    The first step in beginning counseling is an in-person intake appointment.

    You may schedule this appointment either by calling the counselor directly at 203-254-4000 ext. 3347 or calling the main line at 203-254-4000 x2146. During this intake appointment, you and the counselor will discuss your reason/s for seeking counseling, and the counselor will advise you if services provided at Bellarmine Campus will meet your needs, or if your needs would be better served through a referral to a community provider. If therapy at Bellarmine College is an appropriate option for you, you will be given a follow up appointment.

    What is your policy on confidentiality?

    Everything that you discuss in session with the counselor is confidential. This means nothing will go on your student education records. Also, your parents or loved ones do not have access to your mental health records without your consent. Your counselor will not consult with anyone outside of the Wellness Center, or outside of the university, without your written consent. There are some important exceptions to this, including information about child or elder abuse, serious risk to human life, and court orders.

    Tips for Managing a Crisis

    • Ask for help

    • Avoid alcohol and drugs

    • Don't make hasty decisions

    • Don't isolate yourself

    • Keep your regular meal and sleep times

    • Be patient with yourself

    • Talk to friends and family

    • Remember to breathe deeply

    Other Emergency Options (Off-campus)

    The following is a list of off-campus emergency support options:

    counseling@fairfield.edu - 203-254-4000, x2146