About Us
Mission Statement
The William & Mary Counseling Center is the sole mental health unit on campus with the primary responsibility of providing a range of mental health services to students, and related support to the campus community. Our role is congruent with the mission of William & Mary, and the Division of Student Affairs, which is to prepare students to learn, lead and live with integrity and purpose. In so doing, the Counseling Center seeks to provide services that allow students to achieve their personal and educational goals. These services include the provision of mental health practices intended to reduce psychological distress, treat clinical conditions, and enhance well-being and personal growth. Our interdisciplinary team facilitates primary education and prevention activities, provides support to students experiencing normal developmental issues associated with the transition from adolescence to early adulthood, provides support for emerging, acute, and chronic clinical concerns and responds to individual student and campus-wide immediate crises. Based on clinical assessment of an individual student’s needs, we make evidence-based recommendations drawing from the resources available on campus, in the local area, and in the student’s home community when necessary. The Counseling Center actively demonstrates commitment to diversity in its broadest form and serves as an advocate for social justice in the university community and beyond. Through our multi-level training program, we dedicate ourselves to instilling these practices and values in future professionals.
Scope of Services
The Counseling Center is designed to provide short-term, time-limited counseling, in order to offer services to as many students as possible. In keeping with the mission of the Division of Student Affairs, the Counseling Center strives to provide brief treatment to facilitate adjustment, improve functioning, achieve resolution of problems, and to relieve acute symptoms as soon as possible to support academic progress.
Students whose presenting issues suggest the need for longer long-term services, can meet with the Mental Health Services Coordinator for assistance with a referral to a private mental health care provider in the community or may search for a professional through our online database. Counseling Center services will not be an appropriate substitute for long-term, intensive psychological services. Some common examples that may be more suited to an outside referral include but are not limited to:
- concerns that may require weekly appointments
- issues which may require a specific type of therapy not practiced by staff
- issues that tend to worsen in short-term counseling
- history of weekly or long-term treatment prior to college or interest/preference for this type of services
Need help?
If you are unsure whether or not the Counseling Center services are the best fit for your needs, our staff will be happy to meet with you to discuss your individual situation.
