The Counseling Center is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS). The Counseling Center staff consists of ethnically diverse psychologists, social workers, rehab counselors, psychiatrists, interns and support staff (see meet the staff). The Counseling Center dedicates itself to providing students with support, education, and advocacy for their personal and academic success. Furthermore, we are especially committed to promoting each student's ability to live and work in a diverse society. Through our unique position in the College we foster the holistic development of students through self-awareness, emotional support, and community involvement.
If you think you could benefit from counseling or mental health services at The Counseling Center, call (716) 878-4436 and schedule a Mental Health Assessment to help identify what services could be helpful to you. A Mental Health Assessment appointment should be available to you within the week.
If you cannot wait for an appointment because your situation is urgent and/or you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please walk in or call (716) 878-4436 during Urgent Care Hours (Monday to Friday 10 am to 3 pm) and ask for an emergency mental health appointment.
Urgent care hours are designed for “urgent & crisis” needs. A mental health crisis is a situation in which an individual is exhibiting extreme emotional disturbance or behavioral distress, considering harm to self or others, disoriented or out of touch with reality, has a compromised ability to function, or is otherwise agitated and unable to be calmed.
Examples of a Mental Health Crisis includes:
•Talking about suicide threats
•Self- injury, but not needing immediate medical attention
•Highly erratic or unusual behavior
•Emotionally distraught, very depressed, angry or anxious
•The need to be hospitalized
•Thoughts about harming another person
•Recent assault or abuse
•Knowledge of another person being abused or assaulted
•Concerns about your own or someone else’s safety
•Hallucinations
You will be seen by a staff member as soon as possible. If needed, you will be provided recommendations for the most appropriate level of services.
For psychological emergencies after business hours, please call the Crisis Services (716) 834-3131 or go to your local hospital's emergency room.
What is Counseling
Counseling can be defined as a relatively short-term, interpersonal, theory-based process of helping students resolve developmental and situational stressors. Some common concerns confronting students include anxiety/stress, low self confidence, relationship difficulties, self-defeating behaviors, academic problems, sexual identity concerns, and decision- making dilemmas. Call The Counseling Center for a free-confidential consultation.
What About Confidentiality?
Your counselor may consult with other Counseling Center staff about the issues bringing you here, but we need your written permission to talk to anybody else about anything you say here, or even to acknowledge that you have come here. The only times your counselor may need to break confidentiality are: if you intend to harm yourself or someone else; if there is any suspicion of child abuse or neglect; or if the courts subpoena our records (all of which rarely occur).
Summer Office Hours
The Counseling Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Weigel Health Center. The Counseling Center hours are: Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
How much does it cost?
All SUNY Buffalo State students may seek counseling help at the Counseling Center, and there is no fee for this service. To schedule the initial consultation session, call the Counseling Center at 878-4436.
