The Counseling Office offers free and confidential counseling services. Students looking to schedule a first time appointment, click here. Returning students, click here to schedule an appointment. For more information, please email counseling@mariacollege.edu.
Mission Statement
Counseling Services supports the overall wellness of the campus community by providing access to free and confidential mental health counseling. Our counselors provide individual and campus-wide educational and referral services for mental health care. Individuals using this service will be assisted with compassion and dignity, and respected in a culturally sensitive, non-judgmental manner.
Description of Services
Maria College provides initial assessment and screening for short-term therapy using an evidence-based approach including Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Mindfulness or Positive Psychology method supporting a strength-based perspective. We offer individual, relationship, and group counseling; training and consultation about mental health concerns; crisis intervention and response; and referrals to other on- and off-campus services. All enrolled Maria College students are entitled to an initial consultation and options for future services will be discussed in their first appointment. Most students are seen for ten or fewer individual counseling sessions. Appointments are available by request.
For more information please contact counseling@mariacollege.edu.
New Resources
Online resources for college mental health
PressPause for Mindfulness Videos
NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports
New York State Office of Mental Health
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Reasons to Seek Counseling
Some reasons for seeking counseling are:
- Academic Concerns
- Adjustment to college life
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulties with relationships
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Loneliness
- Community referrals
- Sexual harassment
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Mental Health Screening Tools
Mental Health America provides free mental health screening tools. Taking a mental health screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
If you should feel that, after reading this information, you want to access mental health services or want to discuss the results of your screening with a professional you can make an appointment with one of our counselors on campus at no charge.
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Emergency Contact Numbers
Mental Health
Albany County/Capital District Mobile Crisis – (518) 549-6500
Samaritan Hospital Crisis/Suicide Prevention Hotline – (518) 274-4345
Capital District Psychiatric Center Walk-In Crisis Unit – (518) 447-9650
Rensselaer County Sexual Assault Care Center Hotline – (518) 271-3257
Medical Care
Albany Medical Center Emergency Room – (518) 262-3131
Albany Memorial Hospital Emergency Care – (518) 471-3111
Samaritan Hospital Emergency Room – (518) 271-3424
St. Peter’s Hospital Emergency Room – (518) 525-1324
Ellis Hospital Emergency Room – (518) 243-4121
Four-Winds (Psychiatric) Hospital Saratoga – (518) 584-3600
Samaritan Suicide Prevention 24 Hour Crisis Line – (518) 689-4673
Hotline Numbers
Suicide Hotline – (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Albany County Rape Crisis Center 24 Hour Hotline – (518) 447-7716
24 Hour Sexual Assault Hotline – (518) 447-7716
Equinox Domestic Violence Hotline – (518) 432-7865
Unity House Domestic Violence Hotline – (518) 272-2370
Online Crisis Support – CrisisChat.org
Maria’s Emergency Line
(518) 416-7293
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Meet the Counselor
Professor Washco earned his B.S. in Sociology and M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the State University of New York, University at Albany. He has over 10 years of experience teaching a variety of courses in psychology, sociology, counseling psychology, and addiction at the post-secondary level. Professor Washco is currently working on his PhD in General Psychology, Cognition and Instruction, from Grand Canyon University. His areas of interest are program development, assessment, and counseling education.
In addition to his educational pursuits, Professor Washco has over 15 years of clinical experience as a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor and New York State Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor. Professor Washco has worked in a variety of clinical settings addressing addiction, mental health, and crisis counseling.
Outside of the classroom Professor Washco enjoys running, college basketball, and spending time with his wife and two children.
