Counseling Center

Information and Consent for Treatment 

Consent for Treatment of a Minor

Release of Information Forms

• Off Campus Provider 
• General Campus Form
• Residence Life
• Enrollment and Student Services 
• Health Center 
• Student Conduct
• Release to Self/Notary Form

Tele-Mental Health 

The Counseling Center will be conducting tele-mental health counseling through a secure and encrypted Zoom Platform. 

• After scheduling an appointment with the Counseling Center, prior to your appointment, instructions to download the Zoom videoconferencing app will be sent via email. 
• Clients can access their appointment on any web-enabled device (smart phone, tablet, PC) that contains a webcam/microphone. 
• Clients should arrange to engage in their tele-mental health appointment in a private, well-lit, space that is free from distraction. 
• A secured video link will be emailed to the client at their appointment time. 
• Any Documentation will be uploaded in the SUNY Fredonia Titanium EMR.
• In order to engage in tele-mental health services, clients must complete the Tele-Mental Health Informed Consent in the documents section below.
• If you are working with a different provider outside of the Counseling Center and need records transferred, please contact the Counseling Center 716-673-3424 and fill out the HIPPA release of information below. 

For any further inquiries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the SUNY Fredonia Counseling Center at 716-673-3424

What are Tele-Mental Health Services?

Tele-mental health services are the provision of mental health services remotely via video conferencing or other form of audio-visual communication. If one form of technology fails in the course of a telecounseling session, an alternate form of communication may be utilized by the counselor to arrange for continuity of care. Telecounseling may include mental health care delivery, consultation, and psychotherapeutic treatment. 

What are my rights in regards to tele-mental health?

I have the right to withhold or withdraw my consent at any time. If consent is withheld or withdrawn, I may request a referral to a local mental health counselor. 

The laws that protect the confidentiality of my personal information in a face-to-face counseling setting also apply to tele-mental health. As such, the information disclosed by me during the course of my sessions is confidential. The dissemination of any personally identifiable images or information from the tele-mental health interaction to other entities shall be in accordance with applicable law, except in the case of mandatory or permissive exceptions to confidentiality. Such exceptions include, but are not limited to:

• suspected child, elder, and/or dependent adult abuse; 
• expressed threat of violence towards an ascertainable victim; 
• expressed threat to harm or kill self; and 
• court subpoena.

We’re all likely experiencing some emotional discomfort (or worse!)--given the spread of Covid-19 and the disruption to our lives.  Grief at losing out on experiences, frustration, uncertainty—all are normal reactions at this time. The situation is new and unpredictable!  And the College’s precautionary change to remote learning represents a major sea-change for us all. So how do we stay emotionally well during these times, when we’re separated from friends and our college “home” ?

Know that the College is committed to you: you’re the reason we exist!  So we’re working very hard to plan carefully and ensure your studies, growth, and campus connections continue.

Be careful of Covid-19 overload.  Limit the time you spend taking in Covid-19 news.  It’s coming at us from all directions and this can be downright overwhelming.  Turn off/stop reading the news. Maybe check in once a day.

Be careful of Covid-19 misinformation.  Rumors abound about what’s open, what’s not, what’s closing, and so on.  Check out rumors for yourself by going to reputable sources. Check out state and local government sites for up to date information about closings.  Go to the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/)  or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/) for correct information about the virus.

Our emotions reside in our bodies, so take good care of yours!  

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule—try to go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same time.
• Work towards maintaining good nutrition and regular meals.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Limit caffeine intake.
• Get some exercise!
• Spend some time outside, in nature, especially.
• Practice deep breathing, relaxation, yoga, Qigong.  Not sure how to do these? YouTube!!
• Try taking up an activity that requires use of your body and mind, which can give you an emotional break: knitting, art, playing an instrument, etc.

Social connection is really good for us too!  Maintain social distance, of course, but stay in touch with friends.  You might even try the old-fashioned art of letter writing!

Maintain a schedule, just as you would if at school.  Meals, classes, study time, relaxation time.  Having a schedule helps us contain emotions and feel a sense of control.  

Consider keeping a journal about what this experience is like for you.  But be sure to end your daily entry with 3 good things about the day, however small, to help keep your spirits up.

Maintain perspective.  While this is a HUGE event for all of us, remind yourself of what’s good in your life and what’s important: health, friends, being able to continue towards your degree, religion, and spirituality.

Spend time with your four-legged friends.  Some snuggle time with your pets can make a tough day a lot easier. 

Take the focus off of yourself: do something kind for someone else.  If you can’t visit in person, call!  

Consider making use on one of the many mental health apps that are available for free and for pay.  You might find this link helpful in finding something that speaks to you.  https://www.psycom.net/25-best-mental-health-apps

Here are some additional wellness-related apps:  

Android Market                                       

Music & Sounds:                                           
Relax & Sleep                                                                                
Relax Melodies                                                                            

Meditation, Breathing & Yoga:                          
Breathe 2 Relax                                                     
Tactical Breather                                       

Other:                                                                                            
T2 Mood Tracker                                     
iQuarium Virtual Fish                                                                

Apple/iTunes            

Music & Sounds:
Relax Melodies  
Relaxing Sounds of Nature Lite   
Sleep Sounds Ambient Effects for Free        
Sleep Stream 2                      

Meditation, Breathing & Yoga:    
Breathe2Relax
Sleep Easily Meditation by Shazzie       
Tactical Breather         
Daily Yoga Free                             

Other:
Affirmations Inspired by Nature                               
Headspace 
Wellscapes
PTSD Coach
T2 Mood Tracker
Calm

If you feel you need more assistance in the form of counseling: We are able and willing to provide therapy services through Tele-services to students who reside in New York State. Please see our home page for more information. 

For students who are looking to connect with an off-campus provider:  We are happy to assist you in finding a local provider. We can send records with a signed release of information, which you can find under Teletherapy services on our home page.  So that we can be most helpful, we encourage you to investigate the following before contacting us:

• Contact your insurance provider for a list of local providers who accept your insurance.  Look at your insurance card or insurance-company website for information about how to do so.
• Your primary-care doctor’s office may be able to provide referral suggestions to you.
• Psychology Today will allow you to locate local therapists who accept your insurance.
• You may want to consider online mental health services such as TalkSpace and can check with your insurance company to check if this services would be covered. 
• Students who remain abroad can contact the College’s iSOS program for referral assistance while abroad.
• 211.org.  Type in your zipcode for local information about Essential Needs, Crisis and Emergency, Covid-19, Service Providers, and Disaster Assistance
• NYS COVID-19 Mental Health: Coping Circles - Coping Circles are free six-week support and resilience groups, held by video or phone, facilitated by licensed mental health professionals. https://rc-1.nyspi.org/surveys/?s=44YWTJMF3T  
• OMH Emotional Support Helpline (1-844-863-9314)- provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/covid-19-resources.html

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis:

• Use the Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255 or see https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ for a chat option). 
• Use the crisis text line: 741741
• In the event of an emergency that requires assistance from the police, you should call University Police at 716-673-3333, or 911. 
• Go to your local hospital emergency department.

Finally, know that we, like you, are monitoring the situation and will adapt to changing circumstances.  

Stay well, safe, and healthy!  

--Counseling Services

Everyone at Fredonia has access to a free online free tool to help manage stress. Through a grant obtained through Chautauqua Tapestry, students have access to myStrength--a free online tool that teaches skills to reduce stress, improve mood, and overcome other challenges.

To access these free tools and resources, visit myStrength.com: click “Sign Up,” and enter the access code FredoniaBlueDevil for unlimited access to personalized help, including tracking your mood, managing depressive and anxious thoughts, and to access and share inspirations.    

As a way of trying to continually improve our services we provide to students, we encourage your feedback. We would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or concerns. Click the link for the Counseling Center Feedback Form below if you would like to leave feedback. You can choose to comment anonymously, or if you would like a response from the Counseling Center, you may choose to leave your name and contact information. 

If you would prefer to speak with a staff member directly, please give us a call at 716-673-3424 and request to speak with the Clinical Director, Jeff Janicki, or Executive Director of Student Wellness and Support Dr. Tracy Stenger at 716-673-3271. If you have already met with a counselor and would prefer to speak with them about your suggestions, you may also choose to reach out to them directly.

Counseling Center Feedback Form

If you attended a Counseling Center Outreach Presentation. Please take a minute to offer us constructive feedback by clicking the link below:

Outreach Presentation Feedback Form

In support of Fredonia’s strategic plan and institutional learning goals, the Counseling Center promotes student’s mental health, wellness, growth and development.  [Expanded Mission Statement]