Is the Counseling and Psychiatric Services staff available to speak with parents?
The Wellness Center’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services staff welcomes parents’ calls. Our staff understands that parents may have concerns about their students, and wish to communicate information about them or to consult with us about these concerns. In the event that a parent wishes to speak to their student’s therapist, a signed release of information must be obtained from the student. It is helpful if a parent can make this request of the student. The CAPS staff is bound by the legal and ethical guidelines regarding client confidentiality. Without a signed release, individuals and offices outside the Wellness Center are not informed that a particular student has sought services unless the student is judged to be a danger to self or others, in which case steps are taken to insure the safety of both the student and others.
How does my son/daughter make an appointment?
Students can schedule appointments by calling our office at 717-245-1485, or by stopping in during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We also offer Open Hours, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – noon, and 2-3 p.m., during which time students can meet with a mental health professional in the Wellness Center for a brief individual visit on a first-come, first-served basis. Open Hours provide assistance in times of crisis as well as for prompt access to initiate services when a student is ready to take that first step.
What about payments?
There are no charges for visits to the Wellness Center for Counseling and Psychiatric Services.
Who makes up the counseling staff?
This year the staff is comprised of our Executive Director who is a licensed psychologist, 3 licensed staff psychologists, and a post-doctoral resident.
Does the Wellness Center offer psychiatric services?
The Wellness Center has contracted with Holy Spirit Behavioral Health Services to provide psychiatric services for our clients. Dr. Courtney Baker, D.O. is a licensed psychiatrist who holds office hours in the Wellness Center on Fridays during the academic year. She will provide an initial assessment regarding the possibility of using medication and offer medication recommendations to students following the initial evaluation and continued follow-up by a therapist.
What kind of issues do students bring to the Counseling and Psychiatric Services staff?
Students come to us for many reasons. Many have concerns related to a number of common developmental issues that arise during the college years, including adjustment to college, dependence/independence, making friends, dating, career, and changing values. At times, students have more significant problems coping with life stresses and may be struggling with anxiety, depression, eating concerns, substance issues, bereavement, sexual assault, adjustment problems, stress, identity issues, family issues, and relationship problems.
Who does my son/daughter call in the event of a mental health crisis?
In the event of a mental health crisis during our normal business hours, students should call the Wellness Center at 717-245-1485 or come to the office. When the Wellness Center is closed, students should call the Department of Public Safety at 717-245-1111 for assistance. DPS will assist the student in getting to the right resources, to include transportation to the local emergency room if needed.