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University Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center (UCC) provides individual, couples and group counseling, crisis intervention and psychiatric services for undergraduate and graduate students. We also provide prevention and consultation services for the entire university community. Based on a commitment to student learning, and social, personal, and ethical development, our mission evolves from that of Shippensburg University.

To schedule an appointment for the Spring semester, call the Counseling Center directly at 717-477-1481. 

Spring Semester Hours

Monday:  8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday:     8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday:     8:30am - 5pm
Thursday:     8:30am - 5pm
Friday:     8:30am - 4:30pm

Next available appointments for new clients are within the week. (Updated:  4/15/24)

 

The University Counseling Center (UCC) will be offering in-person appointments during the Summer semester.

In case of a life-threatening emergency:
Contact the Campus Police at 717-477-1444 or call 911.

In case of a non-life-threatening mental health crisis:

  • UCC 717-477-1481 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm)
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-8255
  • UCC On-Call Counselor (accessed during the semester by calling the Campus Police at 717-477-1444 after 5:00pm on weekdays, and anytime on the weekend)
  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Suicide Hotline):  1-866-488-7386
  • Trans Lifeline:  1-877-565-8860
  • Crisis Text Line:  Text HOME to 741741
  • Crisis Text Line for Students of Color:  Text STEVE to 741741

If You Would Prefer to Find a Therapist in Your Home Community

Finding a therapist in the community may seem challenging, but with information and persistence, you can connect with someone who meets your needs and your schedule. There are several resources you can check out on your own, including the Psychology Today Therapist Finder tool and your insurance company’s provider search tool.  You may also contact the Counseling Center for support at 717-477-1481.

Before Starting Your Search

Before starting to search, it can be helpful to answer a few questions for yourself:

  • What am I looking for in a therapist?
  • What do I want help with? (e.g. anxiety, sleep, mood, adjustment to college or graduation, relationship issues, trauma, family relationships, learning difficulties are common things people want help with...)
  • Do I want someone with specific skills? (e.g. cognitive behavioral training, experience with trauma, etc.)
  • Do I want the provider I choose to hold particular identities?
  • Do I want to use my insurance?

Helpful Search Tools

Once you have a sense of what you are seeking, you can use this tool to help you find a therapist in your area: Psychology Today Therapist Finder 

  • Go to Psychology Today webpage:
  • Click on "Find a Therapist" or scroll down to the "Find a Therapist" search bar
  • Enter your zip code (or neighborhood if you are in larger place)
  • Use the filter to choose your insurance (if you are using insurance)

Tips for Choosing a Therapist

If you choose, you can also filter by therapy type, gender, and many other categories. If you do not have specific requirements, it can be a good idea to start with a wide search and refine if too many results come back.  

Read about therapists who interest you. Choose three or four that you are interested in exploring further.

Call or email (usually easier) the therapist using the information listed on their profile.

If you choose email, you will see a form to complete. You can write “I’m a college student looking for help with (my mood, stress around my classes, difficulty with my friends, worry about my future, etc).” You may include days that work best for you or times that will never work. Include your insurance type as well. If you call, you may want to leave similar information, and be sure to say when you might be available for a return call. Make sure your voicemail is set up and that your mailbox is not full.

You may need to follow up a second time, as many therapists are solo practitioners and handle all their email and phone calls after their workday. Be persistent. If someone does not return your call or email after two tries, consider looking for another person.

If you use your insurance website, you will see ALL therapists who accept your insurance, however these lists are updated infrequently and depending on the insurance, less information may be available about individual providers.

For more information on finding a therapist, check out these resources:

https://theshrinkspace.com/faqs

Managing Concerns and Emotions About COVID-19

News reports about the coronavirus, together with concerns that the virus could become more widespread, is raising a number of concerns and making some people worry. Learn more about taking care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty here.

Listed below are tips to help you put information and concerns in perspective, manage your worry, and maintain a positive outlook.  You may also find our Facebook page to be a helpful resource.  Click here to be directed to the Counseling Center's Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/UCCOutreachPage/  

TIPS

  • Seek accurate information and limit exposure to social media and news reports that provide no new information or inaccurate information. Here are some reliable sources of information:
  • Keep things in perspective.Take a deep breath and stay focused on what the situation actually is, rather than the worst-case-scenario. It can be helpful to shift your focus to things within your control rather than things outside your control. 
  • Acknowledge reactions. Allow yourself time to reflect on what you are feeling and how you may be reacting to any fears and uncertainties.
  • Maintain your normal day-to-day activities and keep connected. Resist withdrawing and isolating yourself.  Maintaining social networks can foster a sense of normality and provide valuable outlets for sharing feelings and relieving stress. Feel free to share useful information you find on governmental websites with your friends and family. It will help them deal with their own worry. If your day-to-day activities are disrupted by college closings, attempt to create structure in your day by: scheduling a normal bedtime and wake up time; structuring your time with hobbies, homework, reading, etc.; scheduling regular phone/video contact with friends and family. 
    Join Robyn Swayne for a short video on this topic:
  • Follow the prevention and protection tips given by medical professionals such as the Etter Health Center, national medical authorities, and your own medical doctor.
  • Practice calming rituals. Stay grounded in the present moment, which can help you maintain an internal sense of stability and balance when outside events feel threatening. 
    Join Robyn Swayne for a short video on this topic:

  • Seek supports & use campus resources. Reach out to friends and family and learn about on-campus and off-campus resources that are available. If you or someone you know has high distress that does not seem to be lessening, talk about it with others, or contact the Counseling Center or the Dean of Students Office. Your campus community is here to help!

Avoid stigmatizing or generalizing. Remember to keep in mind the kindness and empathy with which we strive to treat one another at all times as we address this challenge together. Be aware if your behavior or attitudes change towards others from another country, and avoid stigmatizing anyone who is sick as potentially having the Coronavirus.  Often when there is uncertainty, our thoughts can become less compassionate and more fear-based.  

Recognizing Distress - A Self-check List

  • Increased worry, fear, and feelings of being overwhelmed
  • Depressive symptoms that persist and/or intensify
  • Inability to focus or concentrate accompanied by decreased academic or work performance or performance of other daily activities
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Excessive crying
  • Isolating or withdrawing from others, fear of going into public situations
  • Unhealthy coping (e.g., increased alcohol or drug use, engaging in risky/impulsive behaviors)
  • A feeling of hopelessness and/or a paralyzing fear about the future
  • Sudden anger or irritability, or noticeable changes in personality

Seeking Support:

It’s not unusual to experience some — or even several — of the types of distress listed above during times of uncertainly and stress. If you notice these signs in yourself, reach out to family and friends for support, and engage in your usual heathy coping strategies (e.g. moderate exercise; eating well; getting adequate sleep; practicing yoga, meditation, or some other mindfulness activity; take time for yourself; engage in a hobby or other fun activity, etc.). 

If your distress continues or gets to the point that you are having difficulty managing your day-to-day activities, then seek professional help. 

Adapted from:  Amherst College Counseling Center's webpage

University of Indianapolis – “Psychological Tips for Managing Coronavirus Concerns” (https://www.uindy.edu/studentcounseling/scc-news-updates) 

Contact the University Counseling Center Wellness Center, Naugle Hall - Ground Floor   1871 Old Main Drive   Shippensburg, PA  17257 Phone: 717-477-1481 Fax: (717)-477-4041
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5:00pm, For After-Hours Emergencies call Campus Police at 717-477-1444