HCC COUNSELING SERVICES
PURPOSE: To assist students with
GOALS:
Counselors are professionally trained and experienced in helping students deal effectively with personal difficulties, including but not limited to:
The HCC Counseling Staff maintains strong ties with community mental health agencies and refers students for assistance with problems that are outside the scope of college counseling.
CONFIDENTIALITY will be maintained by adherence to the ethical standards of recognized professional organizations. These standards provide, with some limitations, assurance that a student may address her or his concerns openly with the counselor. Confidentiality is discussed with the student when he or she first visits a counselor.
We hope that you find this website helpful during your affiliation with HCC. Please contact any member of the Counseling Staff, as needed
What services do counselors provide?
Counselors can help with a variety of concerns, such as:
What are some of the reasons why students come to see a counselor?
There are lots of reasons why a student may wish to speak with a counselor. Some of the personal reasons for seeing a counselor are:
What should I do if I decide I want to see a counselor?
Counseling Services are located in FR 224. Walk-in services are usually available for situations that require immediate attention. However, an appointment is preferable.
Students may come by the office to make an appointment or call 552-2232. An appointment can usually be scheduled within a few days.
Do I need to tell the person making the appointment why I want to talk to the counselor?
No, but the secretary may ask you if it is for a specific problem, such as withdrawal, class scheduling or a personal issue in order to allot the amount of time needed for the appointment. You may just say that you wish to talk to the counselor in person to explain your need. If the situation is urgent, please let the secretary know that.
Do I have to pay for this service?
No, there is no extra fee charged for Counseling Services on campus. However, Counseling Services can provide only short-term intervention. If long-term psychotherapy is needed, the counselor can help you find a therapist in the community who can accept payment through your health insurance or who offers a payment schedule based on your income.
What services do counselors provide?
Counselors can help with a variety of concerns, such as:
What are some of the reasons for referring a student to Counseling Services?
There are lots of reasons why you might suggest a student see a counselor, including:
How should I approach a student about seeing a counselor?
What should I do when a student’s behavior disrupts the class?
Counseling Services is located in FR 224, (ext. 2232). The office is open
Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Evening appointments are also available upon request.
The Counseling Staff is a team of people with diverse backgrounds and interests who are ready to help in whatever ways they can.
FROST 238 – 413-552-2375 – kkeough@hcc.mass.edu
Hello. I join with the HCC administration, faculty and staff in offering you the services you need to reach your academic and personal goals. I look forward to supporting and empowering you to meet any obstacle that may get in the way of your academic success. The experience I bring to HCC comes for many years of walking with and supporting students of all ages in meeting the challenges they face in reaching their personal and professional goals. Six of the best years of my professional life were spent working with students at the Newman Center at UMASS Amherst. I have also worked for many years as a counselor in the field of behavioral health. I join with my colleagues at HCC in offering you the support you may need to make your community college experience a positive one. Please stop by Frost 238 and say hello. I look forward to meeting you.
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE
FROST 240 – 413-552-2422 – moconnor@hcc.mass.edu
I’ve been a counselor at HCC for over ten years and truly enjoy my work with students. I particularly enjoy helping students to develop productive ways to manage the stress that is present in their lives. Many of us spend way too much time condemning ourselves for the “mistakes” we made in the past and doubting our ability to handle the future. As a result, we often lose sight of our ability to be focused and fully present in the moment. When we are stuck in the past or the future, it’s kind of hard to recognize our ability to handle what is right in front of us. Frequently, I introduce students to the practice of mindfulness, a practice that draws one’s attention to the present moment in order that it can be lived more fully. It’s a simple practice, which has profound results.
I extend a welcome invitation for you to stop by, relax for a bit and find out what the practice of mindfulness can do for you.
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE
FROST 234 – 413-552-2786 – kriedl@hcc.mass.edu
Hi, and welcome to the Counseling Services web site. My name is Karen, and I have been at HCC as an adjunct faculty member since 1993 and as a counselor since January, 2000. Prior to coming to HCC, I worked at the Massachusetts Department of Social Services and a variety of health care agencies as a clinical social worker. My greatest satisfaction comes from working with students to help them figure out the best ways that they can succeed in college and life by using their challenges as assets instead of barriers. I am particularly interested in working with survivors of abuse and violence, and military Veterans and their families. Stop by to say hello or to chat about anything that is on your mind. I’d also like to hear your ideas about how we can make HCC a better place to grow and learn.
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE
FROST 236 – 413-552-2829 – jvalentin@hcc.mass.edu
Hola! My name is Jossie and I joined the HCC Counseling Services department in April 2006. Some of my previous work experiences include working at the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow, MA and in a substance abuse residential treatment setting. I am originally from Puerto Rico and am fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I meet many of our Spanish speaking HCC students through the language and culture that we share. My background in substance abuse work has allowed me to meet with many of our students who are struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction and assist them in making some changes in their lives. After all, my goal is to assist all HCC students throughout their academic and personal journey in college. Come by and see me so we can talk about how your time at HCC can offer you some benefits that you might not know about yet!
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE
The link below will take you to the University of Chicago’s website containing an extensive library of studies and reading material on a number of subjects relating to academic, personal and mental health issues. Some of the topics include study problems, time management, relationship issues, anxiety, substance abuse, and depression, just to name a few.
However, it should be noted that the material provided should only be taken as a suggestion and does not replace qualified professional help. If after reading this material you feel you need professional assistance, please contact our Counseling Staff.
HCC takes no responsibility for damages caused by the use or misuse of this information. By clicking this link, you agree to this.
http://counseling.uchicago.edu/resources/virtualpamphlets/index.shtml
Below you will find a link to the National Mental Health Screenings website. The website offers screening tools for several mental health problems:
After you complete the screening, you will be given your results and directions about what you should do. Please note that if the screening identifies that you might have a problem with any of these issues, our Counseling Staff would be glad to assist you in finding the best solution and treatment to your problem. However, it should be noted that HCC has no control over the content and use of the website.
HCC takes no responsibility for damages caused by the use or misuse of this information. By clicking this link, you agree to this.
www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening
Enter keyword: hccscreenings