Information for Parents of Bucknell Students

The information below is provided to assist you in understanding the specific services offered.

Support your student

As your son or daughter moves through their college years, you will inevitably witness physical, emotional, intellectual, social and even spiritual changes. though sometimes difficult to understand or appreciate, these developmental changes are part and parcel of the movement into adulthood. In many instances a young person requires assistance in understanding or working through these life changes. That is where the counselors of Psychological Services can be of help. Please also see the link above for some other compiled resources.

Initial appointment

Students can schedule an appointment with a counselor in one of two ways.

1) On campus they can call 7-1604 and speak to our office manager who will assist them

2) They can stop by our office, located in Lowry House, and schedule an appointment in person.

Usually, a student can meet with a counselor within the week but if the student is in crisis, we find a a way to meet with them almost immediately.

At the first scheduled appointment, the student and the counselor discuss the presenting concerns or issues and determine a plan of action. If the student's presenting concerns meet the parameters of a short-term counseling model, they establish a relationship with a counselor in our office. If it is determined that the student would be best served by an outside expert or particular resource, the student is assisted by the counselor in locating a professional in the local community.

Walk-in Consultation

Every week day from 3:00pm-4:00pm, students are welcome to utilize our walk-in consultation services. As long as students arrive during that scheduled walk-in period, they will be seen that day. Walk-in consultations are 15-30 minute appointments where the student sits down one-on-one with a counselor to, when possible, manage any immediate concern and/or assess a future course of action. .

Short-term Counseling

Counselors work with students on a short term basis, usually 4-8 sessions. Of course there are instances where the time a student spends with a counselor is significantly shorter or significantly longer in duration. Ensuring the safety and well being of a student is at the core of how and how long we work with students. 

Consultation with Parents

Knowing how or when to intervene when your son or daughter are experiencing distress is a difficult decision. You [Parents] are welcome to call Psychological Services for guidance on ways to assist your son or daughter. Depending on the situation, office managers will connect you with a counselor immediately or will have a counselor return your call as soon as possible. It is important to remember that professional counselors are ethically and legally bound by confidentiality laws and cannot reveal information to you [parents] without appropriate releases having been signed by the student.

Confidentiality and Parents

While we welcome questions from parents, we cannot share information unless appropriate releases have been signed. We appreciate the fact that parents often worry about children who are away at college and want to know how counseling is progressing. However, in order for counseling to be effective, student clients must believe that - unless they themselves choose otherwise - what they talk about in session will be held in confidence. Moreover, Pennsylvania state law and professional ethical standards require that students' discussions with counselors be held in confidence. The exceptions to this rule are those situations in which the counselor believes the student is a danger to him or herself or to others or there is evidence of current child abuse. If you believe that it is important to talk with your student's counselor, please ask your son or daughter if they would be willing to sign a release permitting the counselor to consult with you. You may also ask to talk with another member of our counseling staff in order to convey information to your student's counselor - but we will need to inform the student that you have been in contact with our office.

Crisis Services

When the university is in session, Psychological Services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (570) 577-1604. During regular office hours, you will be connected with our office staff. When the office is closed, you will be connected with our answering service that will take the necessary information and contact the counselor from our office that is on call. Please see Emergency Services for more information.