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Growing Edges Counseling Clinic

Growing Edges Community Counseling Clinic is a non-profit educational and counseling clinic of Shippensburg University’s Department of Counseling and College Student Personnel. The program, the only one of its kind in the State System, began in the spring semester of 2008. This program provides no cost time-limit counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in the community who may not have access to counseling, while providing our graduate students in the program the opportunity to get field training.

Growing Edges Community Counseling Clinic is contained in a teaching facility and in order to meet professional standards of education and training, student counselors need to have their clients agree to allow their student counselor's supervisor full access to their client file, including videotaped or audio taped session. The supervisory process of training is treated with the same ethical concern as your confidential records.

We are currently unable to offer services for clients with severe mental health issues, current substance addiction, or cases involving current abuse/neglect.

Growing Edges is not designed to provide crisis intervention. In the event of a life threatening emergency, call 911 immediately or proceed to the emergency room. You may contact Crisis Intervention at (717) 264-2555.

Services Provided by Growing Edges

We provide general services in individual counseling to the community at low or no cost. We facilitate group counseling and provide couples and family counseling free of charge. On campus, group sessions are co-facilitated by counseling students and faculty. In our Spiritual Wellness facility here on Shippensburg University campus, we facilitate support groups for children, adolescents and adults who are grieving a significant loss.

  • Abuse/Neglect
  • Academics
  • ADHD
  • Aggression
  • Anxiety
  • Communication
  • Depression
  • Developmental Delay
  • Divorce/Separation
  • Grief and Loss
  • Life change
  • Parenting Peer/Social Skills
  • Physical Health
  • School Discipline
  • Self-esteem
  • Stress
  • Substance Abuse

Sessions are scheduled by appointment and last for 60 minutes.

Student Counselors

Growing Edges services are provided by graduate students enrolled in Shippensburg University’s counseling program under the supervision of faculty professionals. Our student counselors have:

  1. Completed practicum or field courses
  2. Displayed excellent clinical skills as evidenced by faculty observation
  3. Displayed professionalism and care for others throughout their coursework
  4. Excelled in their courses in the program

We recognize and respect that information stared in counseling is private and personal. All information will be protected and held confidential except under certain conditions in which your student counselor is mandated by Pennsylvania State law and our professional Code of Ethics. Your counselor can answer any questions you have about the following exceptions:

  • When a client shares that they intend to harm themselves or others
  • When there is reason to suspect child, elder, or disabled abuse or neglect
  • When a judge orders records or testimony

You may request that your student intern share records or information to a third party. In order to do so, you will need to sign a release requesting that we share information.

It is important to know that there are benefits and risks involved in the changes that may occur when receiving counseling services. The benefits include an increased ability to handle yourself, your marriage, your family and other relationships in a healthier way. You may also gain a greater understanding of personal and family goals and values. This new understanding may lead to greater comfort and happiness.

However, counseling work may be difficult and uncomfortable at times. Discussing unpleasant events may cause intense feelings of fear, anger, depression and frustration. As you work to resolve issues between your family members, spouse, partner and others, you may experience discomfort and an increase in conflict.  There may be changes in your relationships you had not originally intended.

Your student intern will discuss with you the benefits and risks involved in your particular situation. We encourage you to discuss any concerns you have as your work progresses.

Because we offer our services free to the community, we operate the clinic on a very small budget. We accept donations in the form of toys for play therapy, furniture, art, office equipment and other materials that aid in our delivery of counseling services. In addition to accepting donated items, we also accept financial donations. If you want to donate items or make a financial contribution to our clinic, please contact us.

Contact the Growing Edges Community Counseling Clinic

Shippen Hall, First Floor   Shippensburg University   Shippensburg, PA 17257 Phone: 717-477-1248 Fax: (717) 477-4078