Mental Health Counseling Services
At Palm Beach Atlantic, we don’t want anything to stand in the way of you and your success. If psychological, emotional or other factors get in the way of your studies, or those of someone you care about, please consider:
- Individual Counseling — our qualified graduate interns will meet with you for assessment and short-term counseling (6-8 sessions). Email Counselingcenter@pba.edu, call (561) 803-2563, or stop by our office in 125 Okeechobee Hall to request an appointment.
- Outside Services — we will help you connect with providers outside PBA and offer insurance assistance.
- Workshops and Presentations — the Counseling Center Director is available to speak to your group about mental health issues.
- Consultations — regarding concerns about friends, roommates and family members
Questions?
We’re here to help. Please contact us at (561) 803-2563. Counseling Services is located in 125 Okeechobee Hall next to the Rinker Companies Office. Please note: All information is kept strictly confidential.
Hours
Counseling services are available by appointment Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon-7 p.m.
Counseling FAQ
What is counseling?
Although counselors may differ somewhat in their approaches, there are certain similarities that characterize the helping relationship. In the beginning stage of counseling, your counselor will ask you about your concerns to gain a deeper understanding of you and your issues. As counseling proceeds, trust between you and your counselor builds and a working partnership is developed. Using a variety of approaches, your counselor will help you to explore your feelings, make your own decisions, and resolve your concerns. As you gain an understanding of yourself and your feelings, your counselor will work with you to develop and improve your life skills. It should be noted that as you work to resolve your concerns, your stress level might increase temporarily and affect your schoolwork, work or relationships.
Counseling at PBA is provided in an open, honest and supportive atmosphere. Your counselor will respect you and your difficulties and is concerned that you receive the best possible treatment. We look forward to assisting you with your personal concerns.
How do I know if I need counseling?
If you are experiencing some form of discomfort or dissatisfaction in your personal lives, counseling can help. You may have problems in your relationships or concerns about your personal adequacy or competence. You may be experiencing anxiety or depression without really knowing why. At times, you may also experience a lack of career direction. These and many other concerns are common reasons for seeking help.
Isn’t counseling for sick people?
There are many erroneous stigmas about seeking counseling and what happens in counseling. These stigmas and stereotypes often prevent people from seeking out the help that they need. It often takes great courage to seek help from a counselor. Often, the sooner you can receive treatment, the better your chances are of preventing problems from worsening. Counseling is not just for people who are in crisis or having unusual experiences. If you are having mild difficulties in living or just want to explore your values and beliefs, counseling can be extremely beneficial to you.
Is counseling confidential?
Services are available to all students and all conversations are confidential. We do not release information about you without your written permission, except in the case of imminent danger to self or others, child/adult abuse, court orders or where otherwise required by law. Counseling documents are not a part of your university record.
Who is eligible to use counseling services and how much does counseling cost?
Counseling services are available to all students at no cost.
What can I expect in counseling?
When you come in to meet with our University Counselor, you can expect to be heard. Our counselor will listen to your concerns and help you learn how to deal with them in an effective way. Our counselor is willing to discuss any topic you want to talk about, and will take your concerns seriously. We will not be able to magically solve your problems, but will work with you and help you get the help you need. We will maintain confidentiality, except under unusual circumstances, which we will openly discuss with you.
What will happen during a first meeting with the University Counselor?
When you meet with one of our counselors, you will be asked to fill out some forms, including contact information sheet and a statement of your rights as a client. After the initial paperwork has been completed, you will chat with the counselor for 45-60 minutes to determine why you are seeking assistance and to share any concerns you might have. We will ask you questions about your family and your history. Feel free to share any information that you think would be helpful for us to know. Together, we will work on what help would best for you.
What types of concerns do students have that they seek counseling for?
Student seek help for a variety of issues including: homesickness, difficulty transitioning to college, depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, eating disorders, family issues, substance use, identity issues and more.
How much will it cost?
There is no fee to meet with one of the counselors in the Counseling Center. There may be cost associated if you are referred to an agency outside of PBA. However, we will work with you to help you find the care that is affordable for you.
How can I make an appointment?
To make an appointment, to request programs or to find out further information about our services, call us at (561) 803 -2563 or come visit us at 125 Okeechobee Hall.
What can I do if I or someone I know is in crisis and needs immediate assistance?
We provide crisis intervention for students who are experiencing a mental health crisis. During normal working hours, you may contact us and request a same-day appointment to discuss urgent situations.
What rights do I have if I come to counseling?
Students who are eligible to receive services at the Palm Beach Atlantic Counseling Center have the following rights as students:
- The right to impartial access to treatment regardless of race, religion, sex, age, or disability
- The right to ask questions about the process of counseling and procedures used at the SSC
- The right to information regarding counselor credentials and training
- The right to expect that all information disclosed in counseling will be kept confidential with the exception of information related to danger to self or others, or to the abuse of a child or incapacitated adult. In some cases (e.g., divorce, child custody) information has been released upon court order
- The right to refuse to have counseling sessions audio- or videotaped at any time. (Exercising this right may require reassignment to a senior staff person that may delay receiving service)
- The right to participate in the planning of treatment
- The right to request a different counselor from the one assigned. This request may be made to the assigned counselor or the Counseling Center Director
- The right to terminate counseling at any time
- The right to file a grievance about service offered
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