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Counseling Services

In an Emergency

For Life-Threatening Emergencies

Call University Police at 315-312-5555 or 911

Text a Crisis Counselor

Use Crisis Text Line by sending HOME to 741741. No information pertaining to this service will be shared, as SUNY Oswego does not have a direct relationship with this service.

After-hours Hotline

On weekends and holidays:

  • Call 315-312-4416
  • Push number 2 when prompted
  • A crisis counselor will speak with you immediately.

Mental Health Crisis

Rapid access appointments are available Monday–Friday, 9 am–12 pm and 1–3:30 pm to see a crisis counselor.

Let's Talk

Brief one on one confidential consultation style session with Counseling staff. 

Tuesdays 4-6 Lakeside Room 140

Wednesdays 1230-2 MCC 135

Thursdays 3-5 103S Cayuga Hall

Fridays 230-4 Lakeside Room 140 

 

 

Counseling Services is funded by the SUNY Oswego Student Health Fee and resources are available free of charge to registered SUNY Oswego Students. 

To learn more about the Student Health Fee and services, please view Health and Well-being at Oswego (PDF). Counseling center staff offer a variety of counseling services. You and your counselor will work together to determine your goals and establish an appropriate timeframe for achieving them. 

Benefits of counseling include:

  • increased ability to cope with friends, family and relationship issues
  • ability to better handle academic pressures
  • gain a better understanding of yourself
  • assist in your personal development

It is also important to be aware that counseling may involve the risk of remembering unpleasant events and may arouse strong feelings. Occasionally, it may be necessary for CSC staff to refer a client to an outside health care provider for consultation, evaluation or treatment. 

Announcements

  • The Let's Talk locations have changed, as they do each semester. Rapid access times are 9 am - 3 pm with a possible wait at lunchtime. See below for more information.
  • One of our new initiatives is Togetherall, a totally peer mental health platform for talking, asking questions, and getting some great skills via worksheets, self-measures, and journaling.

Confidentiality

The CSC staff adheres to all applicable state laws and ethical standards, which require that all client information be held in strict confidence. To provide effective service and, as consultation and/or supervision is a standard component of professional practice, your counselor may discuss your case with other Counseling Services Center staff. Except in an emergency situation, however, no one outside the CSC is given any information — even the fact that you have been here —without your prior consent. 

Records of counseling sessions are not part of a college student's education record and are accessible only to the CSC staff. During the intake process, ask your counselor about exceptions to the FERPA exemption. Files are maintained for six years, and then destroyed in a manner consistent with all applicable confidentiality laws and policies. If you have any questions or concerns regarding confidentiality or service, we encourage you to discuss them with your counselor.

Exceptions to client confidentiality include the following:

Abuse of children

If a staff member has reason to believe that a child under the age of 18 is being abused or neglected.

Imminent harm to self or others

If a staff member has reason to believe that you are in danger of physically harming yourself or someone else.

Age limitation

If you are under 18, we cannot guarantee you confidentiality. If contacted by your parents, we would have to answer their questions in regard to your treatment.

Court orders

When ordered by a court of law.

Special Concerns

Sexual Assault

CSC staff provide privileged and confidential support, counseling, and advocacy to all SUNY Oswego registered students who have concerns related to any form of sexual misconduct. This includes sexual assault, relationship/dating violence, stalking, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment.

We work closely with the Title IX Coordinator, University Police, and the Office of Learning Services to provide support, advocacy, education, and prevention regarding sexual misconduct and relationship violence. Each student has the ability to utilize or deny services if wanted.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

If you are concerned about your use or a friend’s use of drugs and/or alcohol, feel free to seek consultation at the CSC. Staff are able to help students get connected to the appropriate services. We work closely with the Lifestyles Office for drug/alcohol screenings, who can provide referral services for out-patient and in-patient substance abuse treatment.

Contact Us

Phone: 315.312.4416 
Fax: 315.312.5416 
150 Mary Walker Building 
(Lakeside of campus)

Hours of Operation

Monday–Friday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Please call us to schedule an appointment. If you’re not ready to make an appointment, check out Let’s Talk!

  • For timely updates on our services, as well as self-care tips, follow us on Instagram @mindful_oz.
  • If a student requires alternative accommodations to access our services, please call our office for assistance.