Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible to use Counseling Services?
A: Any currently enrolled MCPHS undergraduate or graduate student.

Q: Do I have to pay?
A: No. Counseling Services is free to all MCPHS students.

Q: What are Counseling Services' hours?
A: Worcester Campus hours are Mondays, 11 am-6 pm and Thursdays, 11 am-8 pm.

Q: Is Counseling Services open during the summer?
A: Yes.

Q: How can counseling help?
A: Counseling is useful for anyone troubled by specific problems or general concerns. Among other issues, students seek counseling for help with stress, anxiety, depression, family and relationship problems, cultural issues and self esteem. Counseling is an opportunity to talk about issues and to receive confidential, unbiased support and guidance from professional counselors. Sharing and exploring personal concerns with an objective listener often helps alleviate uncomfortable feelings. Counselors also help students generate concrete strategies for managing and coping with issues and problems, no matter how large or small.

Q: If I decide to see a counselor, what can I expect?
A: Individual counseling takes many different forms depending on what a student needs and the nature of the issue(s) they are facing. If a student has an urgent, time limited concern (for example, a test about which they are really anxious) they may meet only once with a counselor to talk about specific strategies to cope with test anxiety. If a student has a more in-depth issue or ongoing problem (feeling depressed for several weeks, having difficulty in a relationship, or grieving the loss of a loved one), they may see a counselor for several sessions. Typically, scheduled counseling sessions last for 50 minutes. However, students are always welcome to drop by Counseling Services for brief meetings or to just check in.

Q: Will my contact with Counseling Services be confidential?
A: The information shared in a counseling session is confidential and will not be disclosed to any persons or organization outside Counseling Services without your written consent. There are rare exceptions to this, for details please see Confidentiality and Rights and Responsibilities .

Q: What can I do if I am concerned about a friend?
A: You can call Counseling Services to set up a consultation to discuss what is happening with your friend and what you might be able to do to help.

Q: Does Counseling Services provide academic counseling?
A: While students can discuss academic concerns with our counselors, Academic Support Services, 508.890.8855 ext. 5608 (Worcester/Manchester) offers more targeted assistance via individual and group academic counseling, peer tutoring and workshops/seminars on learning skills.