Counseling Services

The counseling team at the Health and Wellness Center provides free and confidential mental health services and resources to all Fisher students.

As professionals with experience working with college students, the counselors at the Health and Wellness Center can help to address a wide variety of mental health and personal concerns. All students have access to confidential crisis, counseling, and consultation services. We will do our best to ensure that your needs are met, whether through our short-term treatment services, self-help options, referrals to off-campus providers, or other resources.

Navigating Transition 

Transition is defined as a change from one thing to the next, either in action or state of being. Entering a new academic year is a time of transition for our incoming students. 

You may be transitioning from high school to college or from a different university or from the world of professional work to the role of a student. Transitions can be a time of uncertainty but can also be a time of great excitement and anticipation. 

Navigating through a transitional period can be a bit bumpy but is not insurmountable.  

Here are three key things to remember during a time of transition: 

  • You are in good company! Everyone entering the university for the first time is in this period of transition. Keeping in mind that you are not the only one going through can decrease loneliness and isolation. 
  • Each person will have their own path for navigating the transition. Remember you know yourself best and what will be helpful at this time. Resist the urge to judge yourself if you are handling things differently from those in your circle. 
  • Know your resources and supports. Who are your go-to people? Who makes up your hype team? There are lots of ways to connect here at Fisher. Find the path that fits for you!

Short-term Individual Counseling

College is a time of transition and growth. It is typical to experience situations that may necessitate additional support. One-on-one counseling in a supportive, non-judgmental environment is a great way to work through any problems or stressors you may be experiencing. Your first appointment typically lasts 30 minutes. You and the counselor will explore and clarify the concerns that prompted you to seek counseling.

For more information, refer to our What to Expect from Counseling page. 

If this is your first time seeking counseling, you can utilize a resource provided by the Jed Foundation: What is therapy and will it work?

Scheduling a Counseling Appointment

To connect to counseling at the Health and Wellness Center, please complete the “Counseling Request Form” located in the Patient Portal under "Forms."

After you complete a request form the Health and Wellness Center will be in contact with you during our regular business hours to make recommendations and provide options for your care.

Health and Wellness Center Staff do not maintain 24-hour access to our medical records and cannot respond in real-time. We review requests during our regular business hours M-F 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

  • If you need medical or mental health care and it is an emergency, please call 911 or safety and security at (585) 385-8111.
  • If you need help or assistance during normal business hours please contact Health and Wellness at (585) 385-8280.
  • If you need help or assistance after hours please consider calling 911 for any emergency needs or you can reach out to Safety and Security at (585) 385-8111. 

Medication Management (Psychiatric Services)

If you require medication to manage a psychological disorder and/or mental health symptoms, the Health and Wellness Center employs a part-time psychiatric nurse practitioner who schedules tele-psychiatry visits over a confidential Zoom platform two days per week (Thursday and Fridays) during the academic year.

Note: New appointments for psychiatric services are generally NOT available over summers and other breaks.

To access our psychiatric services, you must first be evaluated by a counselor in our office, who will facilitate the referral to the psychiatric nurse practitioner. If you have questions about this service, please call the Health and Wellness Center at (585) 385-8280 or send an email to healthcenter@sjf.edu.

Referrals to Outside Services

Below are some situations where we may refer you to extended or different services than we can provide at the Health and Wellness Center:

  • Serious and persistent mental health disorders that require intensive monitoring and treatment
  • Recent or chronic suicide attempts
  • Chronic non-suicidal self-harm
  • Active psychosis
  • Active eating disorders that present significant medical complications
  • Substance or alcohol dependency

Note: In general, we are unable to provide long-term or unlimited counseling, even if you do not require specialized treatment or expertise. Similarly, we are unable to guarantee that you will be able to be seen on a weekly basis through our office. If you request or require this level of care, we will be able to refer you to the services best able to help.

Alcohol and Other Drug Education

Students needing specialized or intensive services related to substance use disorders may be screened through the Health and Wellness Center counseling team. If specialty care is recommended, students will be referred to off-campus programs to meet their needs.

For more information, please visit Alcohol and Other Drug Education.