Counseling Center | Ocean County College
Counseling Center
Welcome to Ocean County College’s Counseling Center
The Counseling Center provides free, confidential mental health services to currently enrolled OCC and Kean-Ocean students. We offer in-person and virtual counseling services at the Counseling Center from 9am to 5pm, Monday thru Friday.
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Our Mission
What We Do
What to Expect
Our Mission
We are a team of dedicated mental health counselors who are committed to helping students improve their psychological well-being, develop a sense of belonging, and achieve both personal and academic success. We embrace diversity and aim to provide a safe space for all students.
What We Do
Personal Counseling:
Professional and confidential mental health counseling, at
no cost
to all OCC and Kean-Ocean students. Counseling is provided within a short-term, solution-focused framework, and referrals are provided for continued care as needed. Students often come for issues such as emotional or social difficulties, symptoms of anxiety and depression, academic concerns, relationship problems, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, substance use and addiction.
Crisis Intervention:
Trained and professionally licensed counselors are available to respond to psychiatric emergencies on campus. Counselors will intervene at any on-campus location if a student cannot be safely transported to our office. The primary goal of crisis intervention is to de-escalate the crisis, support the student in distress, initiate necessary crisis response services, and maintain the safety of all involved.
Prevention:
Promoting the overall health and wellness of all students and members of our community. Prevention programs at OCC are designed to raise awareness, fight stigma, educate, and encourage healthy choices. Primary topics include: suicide, substance abuse, addiction, domestic and sexual violence, and mental health awareness.
Consultation:
Counselors are available to provide information and guidance for faculty and staff in responding to behavioral or mental health difficulties in the classroom or in other direct interactions with students.
Workshops, Education, and Training:
Counselors provide expertise in the areas of mental health and wellness to assist the campus community in supporting student success.
What to Expect
Talking to a counselor for the first time can be overwhelming and we understand that. We are here to help you feel more comfortable in the process. Your first appointment will likely consist of a review of paperwork, telling your counselor the reason you are seeking help, and starting to work on a plan together that will help you towards a solution. Your counselor will also ask you several questions about any high-risk concerns as part of a routine assessment. No matter what the concern that brings you to our office, you can be sure you will receive professional care in a private, nonjudgmental setting.
FAQ
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Is Counseling Confidential?
Yes.
Everything shared in counseling, including your involvement with our department is completely confidential. Without your written permission, we cannot release any information about you or what you discuss with your counselor. With that said, there are a few exceptions:
The professional counselors within the OCC Counseling Services Department and/or members of the OCC CARE team may consult with one another in order to provide you with the most comprehensive care.
If there is reason to believe you are in imminent danger of hurting yourself or someone else.
If counseling staff has reasonable cause to believe that a child, elder, or otherwise vulnerable adult, disabled or incompetent person has been subject to abuse, acts of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
If ordered by a court to release confidential or privileged information.
All other communication with family, professors, other college staff, treatment providers, or any other person involved requires your written permission.
Is There a Fee for Counseling at OCC?
No.
All services are completely free for all students of OCC or Kean-Ocean Campuses.
How Do I Get in Touch With a Counselor?
If you are an OCC or Kean-Ocean student and are in need of services, please contact us through one of the following methods:
Call us at
732-255-0386
email us
counselingservices@ocean.edu
Fill out a contact form on our
contact us page
What Are Some Topics Commonly Addressed in Counseling?
Anxiety
Balancing responsibilities
Building resilience
Concerns about academics
Dealing with life changing situations
Depression
Family conflicts
Grief
Life planning
Living with a mental health/physical health condition
Problem solving and decision making
Relationship issues
Self-care and wellness
Sexual or interpersonal violence; Title IX issues
Stress or feeling overwhelmed
Substance abuse and addiction (self or significant others)
What Do I Do if I Need to Talk to a Counselor but the Office Is Closed?
In the event of a psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
The after-hours answering service for psychiatric emergencies:
732-286-2441
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by calling
1-800-273-TALK
(8255) or texting
741741
I Need to See a Counselor but I Don’t Have an Appointment. Can I Still Come In?
Yes.
You can walk in anytime the office is open to speak with a counselor. Depending on the urgency of your concern, you may be seen right away or you may schedule an appointment to come back.
Is Counseling Offered Virtually?
Yes! The Counseling Center at OCC offers telehealth sessions via phone or secure video-conferencing. You can request telehealth sessions with our counselors if you prefer to meet virtually or if it is more convenient for you.  It is important to note that telehealth sessions are limited in some ways, and your counselor may recommend in-person appointments or referrals to external resources to address certain presenting concerns or topics.
Additionally, Ocean County College provides FREE student access to UWill, a company that offers immediate access to teletherapy through its easy-to-use online platform. This resource is available to students across the globe.
Access this link for the
Register to Join | Uwill
website.
Office Hours By Appointment:
Monday – Friday:
9am – 5pm
Phone:
(732) 255-0400
ext. 2911
Email:
counselingservices@ocean.edu
Location:
Library Building #3
Room 010
If you need immediate access to a therapist after-hours or on weekends, please contact UWill.
Counseling Center Contact Form
If you are in crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Emergency Resources:
Psychiatric Emergency Answering Service: (after hours, weekends, holidays, and school breaks)
(732) 286-2441
Toms River Police Department:
(732) 349-0150
Ocean County Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services:
(732) 886-4474
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
988
Security:
(732) 255-0451
, call ext. 2200 on campus, or use the red phones located in campus buildings