As part of the Penn Medicine - Alvernia Medical and Counseling Center, we offer counseling support. Many patients find that talking to an unbiased third party can help gain perspective on a current emotional problem. Students often discover that the visit to our counselor helps build confidence in dealing with the daily struggles associated with college life. We often see students reach out to Counseling Services for reasons such as:
- Anger management
- Self-esteem issues
- Relationship/family issues
- Adjusting to college life
- Loneliness, loss, or depression
- Stress and anxiety
- Substance use/abuse
- Eating disorders
Screenings
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, please contact our office for an appointment. If you are not sure if you want/need to schedule with one of our counselors, please take a confidential online screening. This screening will take only a few minutes to complete and will determine whether an appointment should be scheduled. These screenings are free for Alvernia University students. **Important note: Results are not forwarded to a provider.**
Scheduling
All services provided at the Medical and Counseling Center are scheduled by appointment. Students should call 610-568-1467 or stop in to schedule an appointment. Also, students must schedule appointments for themselves, we cannot schedule appointments through parents, guardians, roommates or friends. Please be considerate of your fellow students and our providers:
- Be punctual. Please arrive a few minutes early to your appointment to complete any necessary paperwork prior to your appointment
- Call to cancel or reschedule your appointment if you are unable to attend the scheduled time
The Medical and Counseling Center providers do not excuse students from class except in rare circumstances. Please discuss any concerns you have regarding attending classes with your instructors.
FAQs
- When should a student seek counseling?
Students who seek counseling do so because they are experiencing some form of discomfort or dissatisfaction in their personal lives. They may have problems in their relationships with others or concerns about their personal adequacy or competence. Many experience anxiety or depression without really knowing why. At times, students may also experience a lack of career direction. These and many other concerns are common reasons for seeking the help of a counselor. Online screenings are available to help students determine if counseling may help. These screenings are free and confidential. **Important note: Results are not forwarded to a provider.**
- What can a student expect from counseling?
In the beginning stage of counseling, the counselor will ask the student to fill out a brief questionnaire about concerns to gain a deeper understanding of the student and the situation. The counselor will work with the student to explore feelings, goals, and solutions. Please remember, that a successful counseling partnership is dependent on being an active participant.
- How many appointments are needed?
This depends on the nature of the problem. Some issues can be dealt with in a few sessions; however some require multiple sessions. If ongoing counseling is required, the counselor will discuss options for these services.
- What about confidentiality?
Counseling Services maintains strict standards of confidentiality. We will not release any records of counseling or discuss the case with anyone, without written consent. Under very extraordinary conditions, such as when a student's life is in danger, or when the safety of others is at risk, confidentiality may need to be broken. Feel free to discuss any concerns about confidentiality with your counselor.
- Will the Counseling Center provide documentation for academic accommodations or an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
The Counseling Center does not provide documentation to support a reduction in academic course load, academic accommodations, withdrawal from classes or grade adjustments. Students seeking academic accommodations related to their mental health should contact the Office of Accessibility Services.
The Counseling Center does not provide documentation for Emotional Support Animals. Counseling staff acknowledges and understands the comfort and connection that animals can provide to many people. However, while agreeing that many people benefit from having a relationship with an animal, the diagnosis of a disability and the potential need for an Emotional Support Animal is a complex process.
The presence, intensity and duration of various symptoms, degree of impairment in several areas of life functioning and an evaluation of how an ESA would help mitigate symptoms and improve functioning would be needed. These assessments are not within the scope of practice at the Counseling Center. The center does, however, provide students with mental health services that can address symptoms which may underlie the desire for an Emotional Support Animal.
