Personal Counseling

Personal Counseling Hours of Operation and Contact Information

Personal Counseling services are located in the Center For Health, Wellness, and Personal Counseling, in the Pitkin Education Center, at College’s main campus, Paramus, NJ.

Contact

Bergen Community College — Personal Counseling
Pitkin Education Center, 1st Floor, Room HS-100
400 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652
Phone: (201) 447-9257
E-Mail: PersonalCounseling@bergen.edu

The personal counseling e-mail is not monitored 24 hours a day. In the event of any life threatening situation, such as suicidal thoughts/attempts to harm one’s self, alcohol or drug overdose, or serious mental health crisis, call 911 (police) or go to your local emergency room immediately.

Office Hours

            Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
            Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Please contact (201) 447-9257 to schedule an appointment.

After Hours Support Contacts

After hours support is available in the evening, weekends and holidays:

  • Uwill: Uwill offers Bergen Community College students after hours crisis support and free on-demand wellness programming. No Registration Required for Crisis Support.
    – Uwill Crisis Support: (833) 646-1526
    – Uwill Reference Material: Bergen Uwill Crisis Support information– Flyer (PDF)
  • UHelp Crisis Support:(833) 646-1526
  • Preferred Behavioral Health: (800) 542-0184, then press 2
  • 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

Preferred Behavioral Health After Hours support is provided in partnership with the NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education with funds provided by the Mental Health in Higher Education: Community Provider Partnership and Professional Development Grant.

Who are the Personal Counselors?

  • Professor Eileen Purcell, M.S.W, L.C.S.W
  • Professor Stafford Barton, Ph.D., L.P.C
  • Professor Lois Carmichael, M.S.W, L.C.S.W
  • Professor Jessica Peacock, M.S.W., L.C.S.W
  • Professor John Giaimo, M.A., L.P.C
  • Raysa Creque, M.A., L.P.C., L.C.P.C.

Who Can Use Personal Counseling?

Students who want guidance or emotional support to help clarify emotions or problems are encouraged to seek Personal Counseling. In a private, confidential safe environment, a troubling matter can be discussed, options and goals can be explored, strategies for coping can be strengthened.

Students are encouraged to make an appointment as soon as they feel that their problems or concerns are interfering with their day to day activities. We want to assist students who are feeling hopeless, alone, overwhelmed, or stressed-out. Personal Counselors are not emotionally involved so they can offer students a non-biased, neutral perspective.

We do not provide counseling by email or other electronic media. People not enrolled at Bergen Community College should seek assistance from the community.

How Can Personal Counseling Help Me?

Everyone feels lonely, overwhelmed, anxious, or down sometimes. But college students often feel an increase in these feelings because of stresses that accompany the college experience. Worry, anxiety, confusion are normal, common reactions. Academic demands, meeting new people, fitting in, managing other peoples expectations and financial responsibilities are part of being a college student.

How Does Personal Counseling Work?

Counseling is goal-oriented. Private issues are discussed, options are explored, and coping and problem solving skills strengthened. Referrals to community agencies and organizations are available as needed.

Is It Free?

Personal Counselors provide free, confidential counseling services to all students and follow legal and ethical guidelines.

Is Personal Counseling Confidential?

Counseling sessions are private and confidential except when there is concern that a student might be at risk for hurting themselves or others. Under those circumstances additional mental health professionals will be consulted.