Services

  • Counseling Services

    We provide free and confidential individual & group counseling to currently enrolled BCCC students who may want extra support with personal concerns affecting their academic success and general happiness. Counseling services can be accessed in-person or through teletherapy.

    We use solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) for issues that have arisen recently or that are likely to be resolved quickly. Solution-focused support involves meeting with a therapist to receive help with an immediate concern.

    • Resolve problems
    • Learn new skills
    • Feel better
    • Increase your self-understanding

    When we encounter students who would benefit from more consistent, ongoing therapy, we recommend you see a community provider off-campus that can better fulfill your current needs. Please go to our resources page for additional information on our community partners.

    Confidentiality Statement

    Student Support and Wellness Service (SSWS) professionals are legally and ethically required to maintain confidentiality of information shared by students in session with these exceptions:

    • If a SSWS staff member believes you are likely to harm yourself and/or another person
    • When there is apparent or suspected indication of physical or sexual abuse or neglect to a vulnerable person such as a child or dependent adult. This includes past or current abuse.
    • When we are required to respond to court orders or subpoenas.

    Your record may be shared with other SSWS staff for clinical and administrative purposes when you sign a Request of Release of Information form. Your SSWS record will never become part of your BCCC Academic Record.

    Risks and Benefits of Teletherapy

    Teletherapy refers to counseling services through technologies such as video conferencing or over the phone. Teletherapy is convenient for students and can offer more flexible scheduling and less waiting time. It may also allow students to feel more comfortable in a place of their own choosing.

    Risks to confidentiality- Because teletherapy sessions take place outside the counselor’s private office, there is potential for other people to overhear sessions if you are not in a private place during the session. Counselors will take reasonable steps to ensure your privacy, but it is important for you to make sure you find a private place for your session where you will not be interrupted.

    For some students, teletherapy may not be appropriate. Body language can be missed, and crisis situations can be compromised. Your counselor will let you know if teletherapy is an option for you.

    Eligibility for Teletherapy Services

    1. Students must be physically present in the state of Maryland during the distance counseling appointment. Students are required to verify identity and location at sessions. (Out-of-state students may receive a consultation and/or be referred to local resources).
    2. Students must meet the usual eligibility criteria for receiving counseling services, such as being a currently enrolled student.
    3. Counseling exclusions:
      1. Recent suicide attempts, psychiatric hospitalization, or psychotic episodes.
      2. Moderate to severe major depression or bipolar disorder symptoms
      3. Moderate to severe alcohol or drug abuse
      4. Severe eating disorders
      5. Repeated acute crises occur once a month or more frequently

    Students in these categories should email counseling@bccc.edu.
    Our office will provide a referral to community treatment providers.

    Procedures

    1. Contact SSWS to schedule an appointment time.
    2. Prior to the initial session, access will be provided to intake forms which must be completed prior to the initial session.
    3. For telephone sessions, your counselor will call you at the scheduled appointment time.
    4. For video sessions, a link will be sent to you prior to your scheduled appointment time to join the session.
    5. Please conduct the sessions in a private location where others cannot hear you.
    6. Do not record any sessions.
    7. Notify your counselor if you suspect any breach in your security.

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    Wellness Workshops and Events

    Periodic Wellness Workshops or events will be presented on topics such as anxiety, time management, depression, building healthy relationships, stress management and more. These workshops appear on the BCCC website, Canvas Dashboard, campus fliers, and in routine communication.

    View the full calendar of events here.

    You can also be added to the SSWS emailing list by signing in at the button below.

    Sign Up

    Consultation-Training-Classroom Presentations

    Professors can request a presentation as a co-curricular activity that connects to course topics or as a way to help enhance the holistic development of students. In addition, the counselor will consult with individuals: (staff, faculty, students, etc.) on a variety of student development issues including:

    • Counseling check-in
    • Helping skills
    • Goal setting
    • Empathetic listening
    • Team building
    • Crisis prevention
    • Crisis intervention
    • Promotion of civility

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    The SSWS staff looks forward to the opportunity to serve you!