What is counseling?Counseling—or psychotherapy—is a professional relationship with a therapist to help you with personal problems. The counseling relationship differs from both social friendships and traditional patient-doctor relationships. Rather than giving you specific advice, counselors serve as skilled listeners who help you clarify issues, discover wishes and explore feelings and correct misconceptions, all of which can help you deal more effectively with your problems. |
But I'm not crazy!You don't have to be severely disturbed to speak with a counselor. On the contrary, it's a sign of health to recognize when you have a problem and to seek help for it. |
Isn't it better for me to solve problems on my own?A counselor doesn't solve your problems for you. Rather, he or she helps you clarify issues so you can solve problems on your own. The goal of counseling is to make you more self-sufficient, not more dependent. |
Is counseling expensive?Counseling at SHC is free of charge. You do not need NYU-sponsored student health insurance or any other insurance policy to visit Counseling & Behavioral Health Services. |
What kinds of problems are appropriate for counseling?Whatever troubles you, we'll be glad to talk to you about it. Common concerns include: depression, anxiety, self-esteem, roommates, family, alcohol or other drugs, sex, academic problems, diet and body image, romantic relationships, shyness, loneliness, and identity. |
Does counseling go on my official record?Absolutely not. Your visits to Counseling & Behavioral Health Services at SHC are confidential. Counseling staff confers with one another and with other Wellness clinicians as needed to provide the best possible services. Certain exceptions to confidentiality do apply. Information may be shared in case of a psychological emergency requiring hospitalization, a serious and immediate threat to someone's life, or suspected child abuse. These exceptions are very rare. In almost all cases, no one outside of the Student Health Center knows about your visits. When exceptions occur, you will be informed. |
Who can use Counseling & Behavioral Health Services?NYU students enrolled in any degree program are entitled to Counseling & Behavioral Health Services. We are sensitive to racial, cultural and language concerns and are LGBT affirmative. |
Who are your counselors?Our diverse staff is made up of psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners and people in advanced training in those professions. Counselors have diverse backgrounds and specialists are available in various areas, including alcohol and other drug concerns, bereavement, eating disorders, HIV/AIDS, international student concerns, LGBT issues, pregnancy, racial and cultural issues, and stress management. |
How long does counseling last?That depends on the nature of the problem. Some problems lend themselves to short-term counseling at Counseling Services. For other problems group therapy is best. And for still other problems Counseling Services provides referrals to therapists in the community, including low-fee clinics. Your counselor will help you decide which of these treatment options is best for you. |
But suppose I need long-term psychotherapy?Counseling Services can refer you to agencies and private psychotherapists in the community. Many agencies see students on a sliding-fee scale, so you are charged only what you can afford to pay. These clinics are especially affordable for those students who have NYU-sponsored student health insurance and are eligible for outpatient mental health benefits. |
What type of group therapy does Counseling & Behavioral Health Services have?Among our most popular groups are: Interpersonal Issues, Making Peace with Food, Gay, Bisexual and Questioning Men's and Lesbian, Bisexual and Questioning Women's Groups, and Stress Reduction. For more information about these and other groups, visit the Group Counseling page. New groups are two session classes are offered each semester. A complete list is available at Counseling & Behavioral Health Services. Like all other services, group therapy is free. |
What if I want more information?Call 212-998-4780 and we'll be happy to answer questions and/or schedule an appointment. |