Individual Counseling
Counseling is a collaborative process that promotes personal growth, healing, and problem-solving. It is an opportunity to share your story, be heard, identify obstacles, and move toward living in accordance with your values.
What happens in counseling?
During an appointment, you get a chance to express what is on your mind. Counselors are trained to listen carefully, give an objective viewpoint, help you solve problems, and formulate a plan of action. As you work toward your goals, your counselor will support you as needed. We can also help you work with faculty, student housing, career counseling, academic advising, or any department at WPI.
Meetings typically last 50 minutes, but may be shorter depending on your needs. All sessions are kept confidential unless you make a request in writing to release information. Exceptions are made only as required by law and are outlined to you before counseling begins.
Does it work?
Research shows that counseling works—many students have benefited from counseling at WPI.
Seeking Counseling: Next Steps
How to schedule an appointment (including online scheduling)
There are a few ways students can schedule appointments:
1) Call the SDCC (508-831-5540). Calling is often the quickest way to schedule an appointment.
2) Online appointment scheduling is now available.
3) Stop by the office located at 16 Einhorn Rd.
You can also email us at sdcc@wpi.edu to connect and ask us any questions you may have about the process.
As we are able, the SDCC will provide same-day appointments.
Prior to your first time appointment, you will be sent a link to complete your initial forms. These forms typically take around 15-20 minutes to fill out and we ask that you complete these forms at least an thirty minutes before you are scheduled to meet with the therapist so they have time to review these forms prior to the meetings.
NOTE:We do not allow parents or staff to schedule appointments for a student. All appointments must be made by the person seeking counseling
After-hours telehealth line
The after-hours telehealth line, run by ProtoCall, can be accessed during non-SDCC business hours by dialing the SDCC main number: 508-831-5540. When you call this number after hours (weekdays from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. and on weekends), you will be able to speak with a crisis counselor through a choice available in the answering message menu.
What does a first appointment look like?
The initial appointment at the SDCC is typically 25-minutes where you and the therapist will discuss your presenting concern(s), clarify and work on goals for treatment, and then they will work to make a recommendation about next steps. These next steps may include following up as needed, joining a group, helping a student connect with specialists in the area, or other options as appropriate. The SDCC clinician will talk through the Scope of Services with students and recommend next steps.
The SDCC is dedicated to creating an inclusive, respectful, and comfortable environment where students can share openly and work with counselors to set goals, identify obstacles, and move in a positive direction. Confidentiality is taken very seriously, and only under certain, very specific conditions—outlined in the confidentiality policy (PDF)—will counselors share information outside of the SDCC.
* If you desire to meet with a therapist on a regular and long-term basis, the SDCC can help to provide a referral to a clinician in the community more suited to fit your needs. Please reach out to the SDCC by email or calling.
What if I want to see an off-campus therapist?
The SDCC recognizes that for some students, seeking an off-campus provider is more beneficial. We are committed to helping students find local resources regardless of where they may be residing. The SDCC will provide referral and/or consultation services to help students connect locally in instances where the SDCC cannot provide services, or when more appropriate or specialized care is needed. There are several resources you can use to find a therapist in your community, including Shrink Space, Psychology Today Therapist Finder tool ,and/or your insurance company’s provider search tool. If you need additional help in locating a therapist, please contact the SDCC (sdcc@wpi.edu) and a staff member can assist you.