Counseling is an opportunity to talk with a skilled professional who will listen in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. The counselor will listen to your concerns, help clarify issues, explore your feelings, and help you deal with problems more effectively.

During the initial visit, you and the counselor will discuss the problem or concern and together arrange a plan for treatment. After the initial session, you may decide with your counselor that long-term treatment and/or specialized treatment is indicated. The counselor will then help to arrange a referral to an appropriate place for treatment in the community.

All students are entitled to 12 sessions per academic year. However, due to the volume of students seeking counseling, the following restrictions apply:

1. Students, who are seen for 12 sessions during the summer term, must wait until the spring semester before they can be seen for another round of sessions.
2. When there is a waiting list, priority will be given to students who have never been seen before.
3. There is no guarantee that students returning for 12 new sessions will be able to see the same therapist they had in the past.

We see students about a variety of issues. Some common areas of concern for students are listed below. Please click on the specific issue to access more information.

• Depression  
• Anxiety  
• Stress  
• Time management  
• Academic concerns  
• Adjustment to school
• Self-esteem
• Alcohol and drugs  
• Eating and body image concerns  
• General mental and physical health questions  
• Relationship concerns (e.g., friendships, roommates, partners)
• Relationship abuse  
• Suicidal thoughts  
• Sexuality  
• Sexual assault and sexual abuse  
• Loss or death of loved one  
• Traumatic event  
• Family concerns
• Creativity blocks

If you wish to see a psychiatrist, you are asked to first meet with a counselor to discuss your individual needs. The staff psychiatrist is only available to provide a psychiatric evaluation and prescribe medication for students who are being seen for short-term treatment at Counseling Services. A referral to a community provider will be given if needed.

Sometimes an issue is better addressed in a group environment. Talking to other students who have had similar experiences provides support and perspective. Counseling Services offers groups throughout the year.

The Counseling Services staff is also available to conduct workshops about a variety of mental health topics. We present workshops in classrooms, residence halls, college fairs, and at any university event. Please contact us at 212.229.1671, option 1 if you are interested in a having one of our counselors present at an event.

You can also access an anonymous online mental health screening. The online screening gives you immediate feedback about your score and referrals to campus resources.

Counseling Services has joined with the Jed Foundation's U Lifeline, a web-based service offering students free and anonymous access to information about mental illness and other health concerns, counseling services on campus, and resources for help.

After-hours Nurse Advice Line
The New School is now offering an after-hours Nurse Advice Line, available whenever Student Health Services is closed. Experienced nurses and nurse practitioners will provide you with medical guidance, health information, reassurance, decision-making assistance, and referrals. When New School Student Health Services is closed after business hours, during academic recess, or for inclement weather the Nurse Advice Line can assist you in getting the help you need. Call 212.229.1671 and select option 1 or 2.