News & Events  |  Contact Us  |  Visit MCLA  |  People Finder  |  Search   

Counseling Services 

Guide for Faculty and Staff

MCLA Counseling Services is committed to providing the highest quality mental health care to MCLA students, and offers consultation services to assist faculty and staff in their work with students. The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Counseling Services Office is located on the second floor of the Hoosac Bank Student Wellness Center.  The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The office is open until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays when fall and spring semester classes are in session.  To consult with one of the counselors, or help a student make an appointment, please stop by during our office hours or call campus extension 5331.  Emergencies will be seen immediately. 

We offer individual and group counseling, support groups, consultations, and educational programs, focusing on developmental concerns as well as psychological issues. Our services are free to all MCLA students. In cases where a student needs services in addition to what we can provide, we can assist with referrals to appropriate resources in the  community.  Some common concerns students face are:

  • Puzzling emotions related to adjusting to a new environment, self esteem, identity,  sexuality, stress management, grief/loss, family changes, relationship issues.
  • Psychological Concerns- Alarming or troubling behavior, alcohol or other drug abuse, depression, eating disorders, sexual assault, relationship abuse, anxiety, harassment.
  • Educational/Academic Concerns- Decision making, motivation, concentration, time management, test anxiety.

Referrals - While most students are able to cope with the stressors of college life, some find the competition, pressure, family, or other emotional difficulties overwhelming. In addition, in some instances substance abuse becomes a problem that interferes with social, academic and work functioning. Faculty and staff are often the first to become aware that a student may be in trouble. Following are some guidelines to help the process of making referrals:

  • Poor class attendance despite your repeated attempts to contact
  • Little or no completed work even after contact with student
  • Poorly prepared work, especially if inconsistent with previous work
  • Negative changes in personal hygiene
  • Excessive weight gain or loss
  • Consistent lack of energy or falling asleep in class
  • Appearing overly nervous, tense or fearful
  • Disruptive behaviors in or out of the classroom
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse- coming to class or meetings when intoxicated or hung over.
  • Seriously alarming and/or detailed subject matter addressed in journals, class discussions, writings
  • Talking or writing about suicide

Sometimes the best way to help a student is to encourage him or her to seek professional help. Our staff also can listen to your concerns and together explore options to help your student. 

  • Encourage your student to talk about what he or she needs or wants.  Use "I" statements to express your concerns. For example: "I'm concerned about you. I think it would be helpful for you to talk to a counselor."
  • Share your knowledge about the services: (The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office is open until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays when fall and spring semester classes are in session.) To make an appointment, please stop by during our office hours or call campus extension 5331. In case of emergency after hours, please call Public Safety at extension 5284 or the Brien Center Crisis Line at 664-4541.
  • Give handouts, brochures, etc. about our services. You are welcome to stop by during office hours for informational brochures, other information, or just to find out who or where we are.
  • Assure the student of the confidentiality policy.
  • Follow-up.  Encourage your student to get back in touch with you. Counseling Services will not be able to share information unless the student gives written  permission.