A smiling woman with long red braids stands indoors at SUNY Niagara, where workforce development empowers the community through skilled training and certification programs. She wears a black jacket; behind her is a sign reading SUNY NIAGARA above double glass doors.

Personal Counseling

Students gathered together at Opening Weekend event

Personal Counseling

It is the mission of the SUNY Niagara Health & Wellness Center Personal Counselors to provide free and confidential counseling services to students in a safe, friendly environment and to work towards improving the mental health of students with the overall goal of improving their personal, academic, and overall functioning.

Students gathered together at Opening Weekend event

Counseling Services

Counseling services include short term individual therapy, group therapy, educational workshops, consultation services, crisis intervention, and referral services. All aspects of counseling are strength based as Counselors work collaboratively with students, staff and community services to provide solution focused therapy to enhance the quality of student life. We are dedicated to empowering students to make informed, positive lifestyle choices, to take responsibility for self care, and to achieve optimal levels of wellness in order to reach their full academic potential.

It is normal for college students to have some personal doubts and to experience personal problems and challenges. Licensed Counselors in the SUNY Niagara Health & Wellness Center provide confidential short term personal counseling at no cost to SUNY Niagara students. Counselors work with students to help them understand and explore how their feelings and thoughts influence their choices, decisions, and actions. Our Counselors help students to develop more effective coping and problem-solving skills and to help improve overall functioning. Personal Counseling at SUNY Niagara is designed to be short term, however if more intensive services are deemed necessary, a referral will be made to appropriate community agencies.

Counseling Services offered include:

  • Educational Workshops: Varied throughout the semester. Please contact the Health & Wellness Center for more information.
  • Consultation Services: Provided for SUNY Niagara faculty, staff, and students in regard to SUNY Niagara students.
  • Crisis-Intervention/Emergency Sessions: Offered on an as-needed basis throughout the academic year.
  • Group Therapy: Available per request to the Health & Wellness Center Counselors. Contact the Health & Wellness Center for more information.
  • Referral Services: Appropriate referrals to community agencies will be made as necessary.
  • Short-Term Individual Therapy: Currently enrolled students (part or full time) are eligible for 4 – 5 sessions per semester. (Extension of the number of sessions is at the discretion of the Counselor). Sessions typically run 45-50 minutes.

**Please note: The SUNY Niagara Health & Wellness Center does not provide psychiatric services, but has an extensive referral list to assist students with services in the community**


Scheduling and Emergency Assistance

Scheduling an Appointment

To schedule an appointment or for more information, please contact the Health & Wellness Center at 614-6275 or stop by the office in Room C-122.

In the event of an emergency, if you are on campus, you may call the Health & Wellness Center at 614-6275 or Campus Security at 614-6400 (dial ext. 6400 from on campus phones). For emergencies after business hours, or an off-campus emergency, students may call 911 if necessary, or see the Students in Crisis information below.

Human Services
Human Services

Counseling Services Hours

Sanborn Campus

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI)

  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Human Services
Human Services

STUDENTS in CRISIS

Students in Crisis after hours, weekends, holidays, and/or off-campus may receive assistance through the following:

  • Niagara County Crisis Services Hotline (24/7): 716-285-3515
  • 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • Veterans:
  • Erie County Crisis Services Hotline (24/7): 716-834-3131
  • SUNY
    • #ReachOut
    • Support for deaf and hard of hearing:
      • Chat and text message (838255)
      • For TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255. Or chat with us.
  • SUNY Crisis Text Line:
    • Text: Got5U to 741-741

Questions may be directed to the Health & Wellness Center, C122, 716-614-6275.

SUNY Niagara Learning Commons Photo during sunset with the sun reflecting off of the windows


Contact

  • Cheri Yager, MSN, BSN, RN
    • Title: Supervisor of College Nursing Services/Health & Wellness Center
    • Phone: 716-614-6275
    • Fax: 716-614-6817
    • Email: yager@niagaracc.suny.edu
    • Location: C-122
SUNY Niagara Learning Commons Photo during sunset with the sun reflecting off of the windows