For Parents

How We Can Help

As your student 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 an essential part of the transition into adulthood. In many instances a young person requires assistance in understanding or working through these life changes. That is where the counselors of the Counseling & Student Development Center can help.

Initial Appointment

Students can schedule an appointment by calling our office at 570-577-1604.

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 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 resource, the counselor will assist the student in locating a professional in the local community.

Short-term Counseling

Counselors work with students on a short-term basis. Students will discuss their needs with the counselor and, together, they will discuss the length of counseling. 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 student is experiencing distress is a difficult decision. Parents are welcome to call the Counseling & Student Development Center (570-577-1604) for guidance on ways to assist your student. Depending on the situation, office assistants 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 parents unless the student signs a release form.

Confidentiality and Parents

While we welcome questions from parents, we cannot share confidential information unless the student has signed appropriate releases. We appreciate the fact that parents often worry about their student(s) who are away at college and want to know how counseling is progressing. However, in order for counseling to be effective, students must believe that unless they themselves choose otherwise, what they talk about in session will be held in confidence. 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 self 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 student 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.

Emergency Services

The Counseling & Student Development Center is available year-round in the case of a mental health emergency.

During regular office hours, year-round, you will be connected with our office staff by calling 570-577-1604.

For after-hours urgent phone support, call 570-577-1604 and choose Option 2 to connect to the on-call counselor.