Student Counseling Services

Who do I contact for counseling or a referral to a health care professional?

Chantonette Lyles, Student Services Counselor at (973) 972-8594

The goal of the Student Counseling Service is to assist students with academic, emotional, personal and relationship problems that might be distressing or that might interfere with their educational progress and/or their personal well being.

What is counseling?

Counseling is a chance to talk confidentially with someone who can help you learn new skills and a new way of looking at situations so that you will be more capable of solving problems on your own in the future.

Why do people come to counseling?

• confusing and distressing feelings
• low self-confidence
• depression
• stress
• substance abuse
• academic performance
• problems with eating and body image
• anxiety
• relationship problems

Services Offered

Individual Counseling

Student meets face-to-face with a counselor to work through personal concerns. Short-term and long-term counseling are available depending on the need of the student.

Group Counseling

Group counseling is offered in the format of workshops. Topics of discussion include stress management, eating disorders, anxiety and self-esteem problems.

Telephone Counseling

Online students/distance learners as well as on-campus students are provided the opportunity to receive counseling by way of the telephone. Please call (973) 972-8594 Monday - Friday between 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM. If students leave a voice mail for the counselor a return call will be made as soon as possible.

Below are some examples of reasons to call the counselor:

• You are having difficulty coping with a heavy academic schedule.
• You are feeling overwhelmed with academic and family responsibilities.
• You seem to have difficulty concentrating or studying.
• You need help with an immediate personal problem.
• You have considered withdrawing from your program.
• You are feeling discouraged and depressed.
• You are experiencing a problem with a professor.

Let's talk!

Online Counseling Center

Online Counseling by using e-mail:

This offers a unique opportunity for SHRP students to talk with a counselor about their problems and concerns. Students can e-mail us at their convenience. We are a confidential counseling service. It is not uncommon for students to be struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, family or relationship difficulties, academic pressures or worries about the future. We will chat with students about their concerns, explore feelings, discuss options and strategies, and if needed or requested, refer them to appropriate counseling and mental health services on campus.
E-mail address for the counselor: lylescd@umdnj.edu

Webct Private Discussion Forum

For the convenience of our distance learners as well as traditional students, Online Counseling is available through Webct. Students interested in receiving online counseling must register for the course through Webct. Once a student's name has been added to the online counseling course, they will be able to communicate with a counselor individually and /or in group sessions that are private and confidential. For more information call the counselor at (973) 972-8594 or e-mail lylescd@umdnj.edu

Visit the additional websites below for student counseling information and self help resources

• Visit http://www.ULifeline.org for a confidential screening. The School of Health Related Professions has joined ULifeline to provide studnets with additional mental health information. Students concerned about mental health can download information about various mental illnesses, ask questions and seek help anonymously via the internet.

• Visit http://www.campusblues.com, it gives information about mental health assistance and other sensitive issues such as sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse and eating disorders.

• Visit The University of Chicago Student Counseling and Resource Services at http://counseling.uchicago.edu/vpc/virtulets.html