Counseling Information for Students
While college can be a wonderful time in your life, it also can be stressful. There are a lot of changes and adjustments to make which can be difficult. If you feel overwhelmed and want to talk about some of the stresses or problems you are experiencing while at University of Bridgeport, Counseling Services is here to help you. Our services are free and confidential.
Some of the most common questions we receive from students are answered below. When you’re ready to make an appointment, please contact us at 203‑576‑4454.
Counseling typically involves meeting with a clinician on a one-on-one basis. During counseling, you will work together with your clinician to address problems in your life by setting goals and making positive changes. In addition to individual therapy, counseling may also involve couples and groups when it is helpful.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
To make an appointment, you can call 203‑576‑4454, email counselingservices@bridgeport.edu, or come to the 1st floor of Carstensen Hall to schedule an appointment with the office manager.
Students will be required to complete an intake form at the time of the initial appointment. Once the intake form is completed by the student it can be given to the Office Manager on the day of the initial appointment. You will be asked to complete some additional paperwork before your appointment which will provide your counselor with information about issues of concern and give you information about our privacy practices. Following an intake process to understand and assess your needs, you will be referred for individual counseling, group counseling, or other appropriate services.
Counseling Services does not provide psychiatric services. Counseling Services can provide students who require medication assessment and management with referrals to off-campus psychiatrists in the area. Please be aware, however, that it often takes time to find appropriate and affordable psychiatric care. If you are currently receiving medication services, we recommend that you continue with your current provider or that you check with your health care provider for a list of psychiatric referrals that may be covered under your health care plan.
Your first scheduled appointment at Counseling Services will be an initial consultation. During your intake appointment, you will meet with a Counseling Services clinician or intern to discuss your reasons for coming to counseling. You and the clinician will begin developing and implementing a plan for your care. Sometimes students require services that Counseling Services does not offer. If this is the case, you will be provided with referrals to community services that will better meet your needs.
Short-term counseling services are available to undergraduate and graduate students at no cost.
Counseling Services adheres to professional ethical standards and all state and federal laws regarding confidentiality. This means that once you have contacted our office, Counseling Services is not permitted to disclose any information, including the fact that you are coming to counseling, without your written consent. Records at Counseling Services are kept confidential and are not part of your academic or medical record. The primary exception to this rule is if you are in danger of causing harm to yourself or someone else. Additionally, there are special considerations for students who are 17 years of age or younger. Any questions about confidentiality can be answered by Counseling Services staff. Please call us at 203‑576‑4454 to discuss your questions.
If you or a peer is seeking assistance, advice, counseling, or emergency intervention, contact one of the offices below:
UB Counseling Services: 203‑576‑4454
Campus Security: 203‑576‑4911 or 911
Students in distress
Every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment. UB strives to support students in maintaining personal, emotional, and psychological health to ensure they reach their academic and personal goals.
At times, everyone can feel stressed, lost, overwhelmed, or anxious. Our counselors are available to discuss a wide variety of issues with students- make an appointment if you feel that this may benefit you.
Friends, classmates, and roommates are often in a position to identify a fellow student in distress. If you believe a student requires intervention or assistance, you may submit a Student of Concern Report to the University’s Behavioral Intervention Team.
Some behaviors to look out for are:
- The appearance of depressive symptoms such as social isolation, apathy, severe fatigue, the air of hopelessness
- Unusual agitation, aggression, or non-stop talking
- Marked change in eating habits resulting in weight loss/gain
- Noticeable decline in academic performance (grades, class attendance, participation)
- Talk of suicide, either directly or indirectly (e.g. “I’m not worried about that job, I’m not going to need one”)
- Evidence of self-harm (cuts, burns, scratches, etc.)