Students, parents, and faculty/staff often have questions about PCC services. We have compiled a list of some of the most frequent ones along with some answers.

Q. How do I make an appointment?
A. To make an initial appointment, students can call the PCC at 257-2920 and request an appointment. Students can also drop by the PCC in the Student Health and Counseling Building and speak with the secretary directly to set up an appointment. If you are interested in joining any of the support or therapy groups, call the PCC to set up an interview with the group leader.

Q. Will what I say be kept confidential?
A. PCC client information is confidential within ethical and legal guidelines. Client information does not become part of the academic record of the student. Information can only be released with the written consent of the student, except in situations where a student poses a threat of serious harm to self or to others, or in the case of abuse/neglect of a minor, or in the case of a court-ordered release of information.

Q. Why do students come to the Psychological Counseling Center?
A. Students often come to the PCC with the kinds of concerns listed below:

• adjusting to college life
• issues of diversity and culture
• relationship difficulties
• depression and anxiety
• concern about self-esteem
• sexual concerns
• problems with eating habits
• worries about a friend
• alcohol and other substance issues
• death of a loved one
• gay/lesbian/bisexual issues
• suicidal thoughts
• coping with traumatic events such as sexual assault
• uncertainties about personal values/beliefs
• developing one's identity
• test anxiety and writing blocks

Q. What if I have a preference about the kind of counselor I want to see?
A. If a student has a preference regarding the kind of counselor s/he wishes to meet with (e.g., man, woman, trainee, DSW, etc.), the student should make this known. The secretary will attempt to accommodate such requests whenever possible.

Q. Is there a limit to the number of times I can see a counselor?
A. Yes, following the initial session, a limited number of counseling sessions may be available to those students whose difficulties are appropriately addressed by the PCC services. Students whose difficulties are not appropriate for short-term counseling and/or who may require longer-term counseling/therapy will be given referrals to private or community services.

Q. Is there a fee for seeing a counselor or the consulting psychiatrist?
A. No, PCC services are for eligible SUNY New Paltz students.

Q. What if I prefer to speak with a peer counselor rather than a psychologist or social worker?
A. Students who would feel more comfortable talking to a fellow student rather than approaching one of the professional staff at the Psychological Counseling Center (PCC) may contact a peer counselor from either the OASIS or HAVEN peer counseling organizations.