The Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC) strives to assist eligible students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. The CWC’s professional clinicians can help eligible students address psychological concerns, gain self-awareness, adjust to college life, cope with personal challenges, and learn more effective personal and interpersonal coping strategies.
The CWC offers the following brief counseling services to eligible New College of Florida (NCF) and University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) students:
CWC professional clinicians also provide counseling services to faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as well as consultation services related to student mental health.
Eligible students may meet with one of the CWC’s professional clinicians for an initial evaluation to determine how that particular student’s mental health needs can best be met. Students with presenting concerns that can be best addressed through the CWC may be offered participation in brief individual counseling, couples counseling, group counseling, and/or TAO.
Presenting concerns typically addressed in brief counseling at the CWC include stress management, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, concerns related to cultural background or identity, and concerns about family, romantic, and/or interpersonal relationships. If it is determined that the student’s requires longer-term counseling and their needs are best met by another agency, the professional clinician will provide the student with appropriate referral resources.
The CWC also coordinates psychiatric services (should a professional clinician determine that a psychiatric evaluation is warranted) and crisis intervention to assist with emergencies and/or serious crises related to psychological concerns.
Eligible students who are interested in receiving mental health services can call 941-487-4254 or walk-in to the CWC to schedule an initial evaluation. The student will then be scheduled with a professional clinician who will conduct the initial evaluation. Students are asked to come at least 15 (though ideally 30) minutes before their scheduled initial evaluation so that they will have ample time to complete all required paperwork. Initial evaluations are offered on many different days and at a variety of times to accommodate students’ schedules.
Learn more about our services belowDuring the initial evaluation, the professional clinician gathers information regarding the student’s concerns, history, and background. The clinician will then make recommendations regarding how the student’s mental health needs can best be met. The decision about which type of service may be appropriate is based on many factors, including the students’ current concerns and needs, counseling history, scheduling considerations and availability of resources.
If the clinician determines that the student would benefit from brief individual counseling offered through the CWC, they will schedule a return individual counseling session for the student to begin working on their concerns. A student may also be referred for Psychiatric Services off campus, should the professional clinician determine that this is necessary.
Sometimes, a student would be better served by a combination of interventions such as group counseling and TAO and, as such, recommendations for these will be made during the initial evaluation. In other cases, a student’s needs may exceed the abilities of the center. If this is the case, the student will be provided with appropriate referral resources to another agency.
Brief individual counseling is a collaborative process in which the clinician and student work together to help the student accomplish specific individual goals. Brief individual counseling is most effective when students have the capacity to solve their own problems with some assistance from a caring and compassionate professional clinician.
While the process of brief individual counseling may be difficult at times, the outcome is usually positive. Students interested in brief individual Counseling at the CWC should call 941-487-4254 or walk in to the CWC to schedule an initial evaluation.
Brief couples counseling is available to any two students (if both are currently enrolled at either NCF or USFSM) seeking to improve communication and problem solving skills within their relationship, whether it be with a partner, spouse, friend or roommate. Brief couples counseling can also be helpful to those couples ending their relationship, so as to part ways in a healthier manner.
In brief couples counseling, a professional clinician will meet with both students, together, for sessions that are typically 45-50 minutes in length. Students interested in brief couples counseling at the CWC should call 941-487-4254 or walk in to the CWC to schedule an Initial Evaluation.
Group is a form of counseling and support where students can work on life concerns facilitated by a professional who is knowledgeable in group processes. A group format provides individuals with a unique opportunity to learn from one another, support each other, develop connections, normalize concerns one may be facing, and assist each other. Group psychotherapy is as effective as individual counseling, and in some cases it is more effective! (Of note, a pre-group screening appointment is required before one is eligible for a psychotherapy group).
We at the CWC are always open to running groups that the campus community feels can be helpful. Students that have any questions or are interested in participating in group counseling or one of the Education, Awareness, & Self Exploration Groups may contact 941-487-4254 or go to the CWC to schedule an appointment.
For a list of our current available groups click here!
TAO is a seven- or eight-week, interactive, web-based program that provides assistance to help overcome anxiety or mild depression. Participants will watch videos, complete associated exercises, and meet with a professional clinician via private and secure videoconferencing for a 10-15 minute consultation.
Weekly exercises take between 30-40 minutes to complete. Daily exercises can be completed on a smart phone, tablet, or computer. These take about 1-2 minutes per entry and the treatment is most effective if you make an entry 2 or more times per day.
To learn more about TAO, check out their web page.
Students interested in TAO through the CWC should call 941-487-4254 or go to the CWC to schedule an initial evaluation.
For students already working with a clinician at the CWC, please let your treatment provider know that you are interested in the possibility of taking part in TAO.
The CWC’s professional clinicians are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to assist with urgent situations, emergencies, or crises related to psychological concerns.
If you are in crisis during the aforementioned hours, please call 941-487-4254 or walk in to the CWC to be seen by a clinician.
If you are an New College student currently living on-campus and need to speak with someone outside of normal office hours, please contact your on-call Resident Advisor.
If you are a New College student currently living off-campus, or are a USFSM student, and need to speak with someone outside of normal office hours, please call 911.
If you are experiencing an extreme mental health emergency, medical emergency or life-threatening situation (e.g., suicidal or homicidal crisis, sexual assault or rape, domestic violence, serious accident, or thought of committing dangerous acts), please call 911 (x8911 from campus phones) or use the blue emergency phones located throughout campus.
A Victim Advocate is available to provide confidential crisis intervention, options and advocacy to anyone impacted by crime, partner violence, or sexual assault.
To contact the Victim Advocate please call or text 941-504-8599 and leave a message with your phone number and your message will be returned as soon as possible.