Counseling and Psychological Services at Bellarmine College provide individual short-term counseling for students currently enrolled in classes at Bellarmine College. Six to twelve sessions for the academic year is what is provided for students. If it is decided that a student needs a higher level of care the counselors can provide referrals to providers in the community if needed. 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 at Bellarmine College 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 are often best treated in a more appropriate setting.
What if I am in crisis and need to speak with someone right away?
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, including having thoughts of harming yourself, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. 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)
After Hours/Weekends
Students who are in need of crisis support when our office is closed can speak directly with an on-call mental health counselor. To speak with a counselor after hours:
Call C&PS (203-254-4000, 2146) from a cell phone or off-campus landline Press 1 to be routed to a mental health counselor
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.
After Hours/Weekends
Students who are in need of crisis support when our office is closed can speak directly with an on-call counselor.
To speak with a counselor after hours:
Call C&PS (203-254-4000, 2146) from a cell phone or off-campus landline
Press 1 to be routed to a counselor on call
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:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 (OR: 1-800-273-8255 (English) or 1-888-628-9454 (en Espanol))
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 for free crisis support Website: http://crisistextline.org
Center for Family Justice: A rape crisis center for immediate and long-term advocacy and support (24-hour hotline) 1-888-999-5545
Bridgeport Hospital: Emergency Room 203-384-3566
St. Vincent's Hospital: Emergency Room 203-576-6000
Danbury Hospital: Emergency Room (203) 739-7000
Stamford Hospital: Emergency Room (203) 276-7777
Norwalk Hospital, part of Nuvance Health: (203) 852-2000