Counseling Center

Because of limited resources, coupled with our desire to serve as many students as possible, the Counseling Center has adopted a brief treatment model. We are committed to maintaining our ability to provide students with high quality, appropriate counseling services. At the same time, we are also committed to providing services within the limits of our expertise, which is required by professional ethics. 

As generalist therapists, we are similar to primary care physicians; that is, we are able to address a wide variety of concerns within our office, but there are some concerns that may require treatment services that we are unable to offer.

Some of the concerns that are commonly addressed through referral to services outside of the Counseling Center include:

• A desire or need to be seen more than once a week or for long-term therapy as indicated by:
• History of multiple hospitalizations
• Chronic thoughts of suicide, frequent self-injury behaviors, or history of repeated suicide attempts
• Clear indications of a need for more intensive services
• Indication that short-term therapy may be detrimental or non-beneficial
• Evidence or risk of progressive deterioration in mental or emotional functioning that requires intensive intervention
• Exhibiting psychotic symptoms without willingness to follow treatment recommendations
• Inability or unwillingness to provide the necessary information to thoroughly assess symptoms

• A need for specialized services not available through the Counseling Center as indicated by:  
• Presence of significant drug or alcohol problems such as substance dependence and/or past failed treatments
• Need for drug testing 
• Presence of significant or long-standing eating disorder symptoms with no period of remission or that may pose a medical danger
• Request for formal psychological assessment (e.g., ADHD testing)
• Request for psychological evaluation for the purpose of employment clearance or other non-academic purpose
• Request for services to fulfill students' court-mandated assessment or treatment requirements

The general guidelines listed above are only intended to serve as a guide to assist treatment decisions. Cases are evaluated individually and the professional judgment of the mental health provider(s) will determine the treatment decision in a particular situation.

Even in cases where a student’s ongoing needs necessitate a referral to community resources, the Counseling Center can often assist the student in managing the presenting concerns and provide support until the student is able to connect to the appropriate community resources.

Consultations — not sure what you need?

All students, staff, faculty and families are welcome to talk with a counselor to consult about a concern, question, referral or to help determine need for service.

Phone support services/appointments are available Monday-Friday during business hours using the Let’s Talk format. Let’s Talk is a free and confidential 20-30 minute phone consultation with one of our counselors designed to offer support. Call 607-753-4728 to schedule your phone consult. Let’s Talk is a drop-in service that offers informal, confidential consultation with a counselor. Get help problem-solving and learn about other resources that may be helpful.

After your appointment is scheduled

You will be contacted on the morning of your scheduled appointment by email with a reminder and with a secure link to our paperwork. This paperwork must be completed the day of your appointment and will be reviewed with your counselor. If you have any problems with this process, please contact our receptionist at 607-753-4728, and she will assist you.

Counseling appointments can be via telephone or Webex, and if you have a preference you should let the receptionist know when you schedule. Once you have an appointment, you and your counselor can determine the timing of any additional appointments as well as the modality used.

• If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or if you are on campus, then UPD at 607-753-2111. 
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and  provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. They also have prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved one. If you prefer you can text 1-800-273-8255 or you can also chat through contacting them online.
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also has Ayuda en Espanol.
• If you have an urgent mental health concern and need to speak with a mental health professional immediately, call the SUNY Cortland Counseling Center for After Hours Urgent Support. Call our office at 607-753-4728, wait until the call forwards to voicemail and then press “2”. You will be forwarded to a mental health professional who will assess the urgency of your call, work with you to safeguard your well-being and provide referral information and links to treatment. The counselors providing these services are familiar with local resources and also have access to national networks of therapist for referral information via WellTrack Connect.
• NY State Office of Mental Health has created an Emotional Support Line at 1-844-863-9314 which provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. The Help Line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling. Check the Emotional Support Line for more information and resources.
• Local students may utilize the Mobile Crisis Team at 315-251-0800 after hours (Weekdays 5 pm to midnight; Weekends/holidays 6 am -12 am). If you are located outside of Cortland and are having a mental health emergency, the National Suicide Hotline (1-800-273-8255 [TALK]) will connect you to your local mental health crisis unit.
• Togetherall is a free and anonymous online peer support community available 24/7 to all SUNY Cortland students looking for mental health support and a sense of connection. Moderated by professionals to keep you safe, Togetherall is here for you. For more information, check out this quick look inside Togetherall. You can register here with Togetherall.
• Text Got5U to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line. The Crisis Counselor is a trained volunteer, not a professional. They can provide support but not medical advice. Text HOLA to 741741 or text to 442-AYUDAME in WhatsApp to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor in Spanish. 

Parents and family members, if you are concerned about the emotional or psychological well-being of your child, please contact the SUNY Cortland Counseling Center. Although we cannot discuss confidential material with you, we can talk about your concerns and describe services that are available to your child.