Counseling Center

Our Mission

We are a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to serving our campus community and promoting student mental health and wellbeing. Our work is built on the values of compassion, integrity and respect. We are motivated by being a trusted resource on campus and helping all students develop a sense of belonging regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation or ability. To accomplish these goals, we provide professional and evidence-based counseling services supportive of our students in navigating personal and academic challenges, fostering resilience to help our students persevere and ultimately achieve their goals.

“Providing Services with Compassion, Integrity and Professionalism. Because YOU matter.”

What We Do

• Personal Counseling: Professional and confidential mental health counseling, at no cost to all OCC and Kean-Ocean students. Counseling is provided under a short term, solution-focused theoretical framework and referrals are provided for continued care as needed.
• Crisis Intervention: Trained and professionally licensed counselors are available to respond to psychiatric emergencies on campus. Counselors will intervene at any on-campus location if the student cannot be transported to our office safely. The primary goal of crisis intervention is to de-escalate the crisis, support the student in distress, initiate necessary crisis response services and maintain the safety of all involved.
• Academic At-Risk Intervention: A program designed to help students who are academically at risk learn the skills needed for academic success.
• BASICS – An evidence-based alcohol screening and intervention program for college students. BASICS consists of two sessions with a counselor, and you will receive personalized feedback and tips on how to reduce your risk of encountering drinking-related consequences. Contact Counseling Services to schedule your first appointment of the BASICS program.
• Prevention: Promoting overall health and wellness of all students and members of our community. Prevention programs at OCC are designed to raise awareness, fight stigma, educate, and encourage healthy choices. Primary topics include: suicide, substance abuse, domestic and sexual violence, mental health awareness.
• Consultation: Counselors are available to provide information and guidance for faculty and staff in responding to behavioral or mental health difficulties in the classroom, or in other direct interactions with students.
• Workshops, Education, and Training: Counselors provide expertise in the areas of mental health and wellness to assist the campus community in supporting student success.

What to Expect

Talking to a counselor for the first time can be overwhelming and we understand that. We are here to help you feel more comfortable in the process. Your first appointment will likely consist of a review of paperwork, telling your counselor the reason you are seeking help, and starting to work on a plan together that will help you towards a solution. Your counselor will also ask you several questions about any high risk concerns as part of a routine assessment. No matter what the concern that brings you to our office, you can be sure you will receive professional care in a private, nonjudgmental setting.