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What is Counseling?

Counseling Services During COVID-19:

The Counseling Center recognizes the impact that the COVID-19 public health crisis is having on our campus community and we remain committed to supporting students emotional growth and wellbeing. We are available to provide services to currently enrolled Dartmouth students who would otherwise be eligible to receive care through Dartmouth's Health Service, in all 50 states and US territories. We are able to provide consultations for our students internationally and assist them in finding ongoing resources if they are needed. 

Counseling Center services include: triage appointments, short-term therapy, medication management, crisis services, nutrition appointments, groups, anxiety workshops, consultations and community referrals.

To protect the welfare of both students and our staff, there has been a shift in the way we provide services during this unprecedented event. We have transitioned from in-person contact to teletherapy (phone or HIPAA approved Zoom). To schedule an appointment, or ask questions about our services, please call the Counseling Center at 603-646-9442. Our phone lines are staffed Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (EST).

IMPORTANT: Crisis services are available to all actively enrolled students 24/7. The on-call counselor can be accessed Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. by calling the Counseling Center, 603-646-9442. After hours, the on-call counselor can be accessed by calling the Inpatient Nursing Department (IPD), 603-646-9440.

About Counseling

Counseling is a process that can help people identify more effective strategies both to cope with difficult situations and to achieve their goals. While some people who seek counseling have chronic emotional difficulties, most are dealing with normal life events and are simply in need of an objective listener- someone who doesn't judge and who can help them see new alternatives.

College life can be challenging and is often stressful. Students experience those challenges in a number of different ways: difficulties adjusting to college, confusion in deciding on a major or career path, struggles in relationships, or making friends, or getting along with a roommate. Many students feel anxious, depressed, confused, or overwhelmed at some point during their college experience and need help dealing with feelings and problems that seem beyond their control. For college students, that help may come from friends, family members, significant others, etc., but in some cases, help is needed from a trained professional.

When to Seek Counseling?

While counseling might be helpful in numerous situations, there are some conditions in which we would strongly encourage you to seek counseling services:

  • You are unhappy on most days or feel a sense of hopelessness
  • You worry excessively or are constantly on edge
  • You are unable to concentrate on your schoolwork or other activities
  • You are unable to sleep at night or constantly feel tired
  • You have experienced a change in your appetite or your weight
  • You have experienced a loss (e.g., a relationship breakup, a parent’s death)
  • You have increased your use of alcohol or other drugs (including cigarettes)
  • You feel overwhelmed by what is going on in your life
  • You are having thoughts about hurting yourself or someone else

Common Presenting Issues

  • Academic Concerns
  • Adjustment Issues
  • Alcohol/Substance Use and Abuse
  • Anxiety/Stress
  • Career Issues
  • Cultural Issues
  • Depression
  • Eating Issues/Body Image
  • Family Issues
  • Grief/Loss
  • Loneliness
  • Relationship Issues
  • Roommate Issues
  • Selfesteem
  • Selfinjury
  • Sexual Assault
  • Sexuality Identity Issues
  • Suicidal Thoughts/Behaviors
  • Time Management and Study Skills
  • Traumatic Experiences

CRISIS SERVICES

The Counseling Center offers 24-hour crisis (emergency) services. Crisis Services, including assessments and referrals, are available to all actively enrolled students or those with concerns about a student 24/7. The on-call counselor can be accessed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. by calling the Counseling Center, (603) 646-9442. After hours, the on-call counselor can be accessed by calling Dick's House IPD (603) 646-9440 or the Department of Safety & Security (603) 646-4000.

A crisis might involve:

  • Thoughts and/or plans to hurt yourself or someone else
  • Engaging in a behavior that is life-threatening
  • If you have been assaulted, physically or sexually

Accessing the Counselor On-Call After Hours/Weekends/Holidays:

  • Call the Dick's House Nurse Advice line: (603) 646-9440 (fall, winter, spring terms)
  • Call Safety & Security: (603) 646-4000 (summer term, term breaks)