Why Seek Counseling | Student Affairs

If you are having any thoughts of hurting yourself or dying, there is hope. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

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Student Counseling Center Contact Information

Student Counseling Center Main Number - All Campuses
To schedule a new appointment or for general inquiries

(914) 888-5150 or CounselingCenter@mercy.edu

Email is not a secure form of communication therefore confidentiality cannot be assured

Dobbs Ferry Campus
Main Hall 123
Monday - Friday. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. by appointment

Bronx Campus
Room 2125
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. by appointment

Manhattan Campus
Room 341
Monday - Wednesday. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. by appointment

New Rochelle Campus
Angela Hall, First Floor
Wednesday. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. by appointment

Ori Shinar, PsyD
Director, Student Counseling Center
Dobbs Ferry Campus. Main Hall 123
(914) 674-7233

Why Seek Counseling?

Counseling can simply be sharing your thoughts and feelings in confidence with a trained counselor who is objective and a good listener. This often is helpful when you have a decision to make. Sometimes counseling may help you to change your behavior in order to deal more effectively with a problem. You may become aware of strengths and potentials you can use to your benefit. At other times counseling may help by giving you certain types of information or by teaching you new skills. Counseling may help you to see yourself and others in a different light.

This is not to say that counseling is always easy. Successful counseling may mean that you will become aware of feelings and behaviors that are not particularly comfortable or effective for you. But, with the help and support of a trained therapist, you can learn to confront such feelings and behaviors so that you can make changes that will lead to a more satisfying life. Generally, people come for counseling because they want to feel better about themselves or about their relationships with others.

Reasons why students seek counseling include:

Enhancing your ability to cope more effectively with stress
Overcoming feelings of depression
Improving your relationships with friends and family
Overcoming loneliness and shyness
Increasing self-confidence and assertiveness
Dealing with drug and alcohol abuse
Clarifying values and priorities
Understanding your sexuality
Dealing with eating patterns and issues

Advice from Students Previously Enrolled in Counseling Services

“Don’t be afraid to open up to someone. There is always someone there for you”

“Don't be hesitant. It’s okay to ask for help if you aren’t getting it from your friends or family”

“The counselors will understand you and make you understand yourself again! Don’t be afraid"

“Your feelings are valid”

“When you ask for help, it gets better!”

“Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Being able to sort through the things going on in your brain is only going to make yourself grow and heal. If you don’t let your emotions out, they will keep building until you explode. Getting help will stop that from happening"

“I was hesitant at first too but it’s worth it. You don’t realize just how much talking about what’s going on in your head can help you get through those rough times”

“It is okay to be scared and hesitant, but just know the help you would ask for would change your life for the better. The “help” would ensure that you know more about yourself and who you are as a person”

“It’s okay! You are not alone"

“Asking for help is definitely not a sign of weakness. It takes a lot of strength and courage to do so”

“I would say take a step out of your comfort zone and go. The Student Counseling Center allows you to express how you feel in a private and safe setting, and is a good escape from your daily environment.”

“Please, ask for help before it is too late. Asking for assistance when you need it isn’t a weakness; it takes a lot of courage which is strength in itself. Remember, you are never alone!“

“The hardest part is recognizing the need for help. Once you recognize it, put yourself first and know that your well being is critical. There are so many resources for help. A lot of them are true safe spaces and finding one of those could change your life. Failure to ask for help can become crippling. Don’t let it destroy you!”

“If you know how bad [Depression] is, then don’t let anybody tell you it’s not that bad and get help!”

“Everyone in this world has an issue that impacts them. You are not alone. I learned skills, about my behaviors and feelings, and to communicate with others. Look at me! I am here today and feel better!”

Get More Info

If you are having any thoughts of hurting yourself or dying, there is hope. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

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