Personal Counseling

Personal and Substance Awareness Counseling

Contact Information

Bergen Community College – Health Services and Personal Counseling
Pitkin Education Center, 1st Floor, Room HS-100
400 Paramus Rd, Paramus, NJ 07652
Phone: (201) 447-9257
E-Mail: [email protected]

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.

Hours of Operation

            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:

  • 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
  • Uwill offers Bergen Community College students 24/7 counseling, crisis support and free on-demand wellness programming:
    • UWill 24/7 Crisis Support: (833) 646-1526 
      Registration is not required for Crisis Support.
    • UWill 24/7 Counseling:
      Log into Uwill.com and register with your Bergen Community College email to schedule an appointment with a UWill therapist.
    • Uwill Reference Material: Bergen Uwill Crisis Support information– Flyer (PDF)

Available Services

Personal Counseling

Students who are seeking guidance or emotional support to clarify their feelings or address personal issues are encouraged to visit Personal Counseling.
In a private and confidential setting, students can discuss their concerns, explore options, goals and develop coping strategies.
Personal Counselors maintain a neutral perspective and provide unbiased support.

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
  • 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.

Substance Awareness Counseling

Understanding the impact of substances on mental, physical, and social well-being is crucial for preventing problematic use. Students seeking more information about support or guidance on maintaining sobriety are encouraged to contact our Substance Awareness Counselor.

To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a Personal Counselor or Substance Awareness Counselor, please visit Health Services and Personal Counseling Office in room HS-100. Students can also contact 201-447-9257 or email [email protected] to arrange an appointment.

Who are the Substance Awareness Counselors?

  • Michelle Boyce-Cannariato, L.C.A.D.C.

How Can Personal or Substance Awareness 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 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?

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

Is 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.