As a college student in today's world, we understand that life can become challenging for a variety of reasons. We're here for you, with trusted and empathetic counselors, therapy choices to fit your needs and a mind/body/spirit approach to wellbeing.
Our work also involves information, trainings and tools to help students, staff, faculty and family members.
We strive to help students achieve contentment, happiness and flourishment. Our goal is to provide services and resources that will enable the student to live a meaningful life based on a mind/body/spirit approach to wellbeing, an approach that honors the person's fundamental dignity of the human person by valuing him/her in his/her totality.
For more information and details about our office, please use your Duquesne Multipass to log in to the Counseling Intranet webpage.
Visits to the University Counseling Services are private, confidential and free. We are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Our stepped care model is a holistic menu of services that aims that connect students to the most effective, yet least intensive option first.
Short-term therapy is provided for a variety of reasons, like adjusting to college life, personal and/or emotional distress, homesickness, test anxiety, sleep disturbances and more. Students in need of more frequent, long-term psychotherapy will work with our case manager to find resources to meet his/her needs.
To schedule an appointment, call us at (412) 396-6204 or come by our office (3rd FL Gumberg Library) during regular business hours. At this time, we are not able to schedule appointments online or via email.
Upon calling, our triage staff will ask you several brief, confidential questions prior to scheduling. If presenting in person, these questions will be given as a brief form to complete.
We frequently offer several support groups that are tailored to specific student concerns including, but not limited to — new students, marginalized identities, anxiety, etc.
In addition to support groups, we offer skills-based seminars where students can learn coping skills to overcome various challenges. Previous seminar offerings have included Study Skills, Relationship-Building, Stress Management, and more.
To see an updated list of the groups and seminars we have to offer, and how to begin attending one, visit the Group Counseling intranet page.
Duquesne University Counseling Services offers Wellbeing Educational Workshops to Duquesne staff, faculty and student organization groups throughout the year.
Our outreach workshops/presentations are free for any student group interested in having a presentation to their group, club or organization.
To request an outreach presentation, and discuss a counseling staff member visiting your classroom or organization event, email%20us and you will be directed to our Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Sara Kyles-Royster.
It is best to make outreach requests as early as possible, so we can do our best to accommodate for your needs!
For non-Duquesne affiliated outreach questions and networking, please email us and we will direct you accordingly.
A meditation studio is available on the 2nd floor of the Student Union in room 215C for all students, faculty, and staff of all faith traditions and meditative practices.
The studio is available to anyone with a Duquesne ID, and accessible Sunday-Saturday 6am to 9pm. Anyone in the Duquesne community may utilize the room at any time, and prior permission from our office is not needed. All we ask is that you follow the "Rules of Use" posted outside of the studio. (Please note, that hours may vary depending on university or Student Union closure)
Freedom and space to practice one's religion or non-religious meditations is a top priority here at Duquesne University. That is why the Meditation Studio was founded as part of the Counseling Services, existing as an interfaith meditative space and silent prayer room. The room was designed as a place where people from any religious tradition or no religious tradition could go to engage in their meditative and contemplative practices.
There are meditation cushions and kneelers available to help support a proper meditation posture. Fold out the legs from beneath the kneelers to use them for kneeling or use a circular, smiley, or box-shaped cushion for support of cross-legged postures.
Duquesne faculty, staff and student organization leaders can reserve the Meditation Studio for classes, presentations, workshops, and events if desired. To do so, please call us at (412) 396-6204 or email%20us.
For any questions, please call (412) 396-6204. We hope to share this space with you soon.
If you are experiencing distress and in need of crisis support, you may call our office (412.396.6204) during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and request to speak with one of our triage staff who will guide you to the appropriate option. If you are unable to reach us, or it is after hours, please utilize one of the following crisis support options below:
Crisis support is available 24/7 at no-cost by calling the ReSolve Crisis Network at 1-888-796-8226. You can also contact the Duquesne University police emergency number, (412) 396-2677 (COPS).
In case of immediate, life-threatening emergencies: Immediately call 911 or proceed to the closest hospital emergency room.
If you are a Duquesne faculty, staff member, parent/family, friend or student with a concern for a student, please know our office offers consultation on how to assist with student concerns. You may call our office at any time and request to speak to a staff member. In an emergency, please utilize 9-1-1, Duquesne Public Safety at (412) 396-2677 or ReSolve Crisis Services at 1-888-796-8226.
If you are a Duquesne faculty or staff member looking to refer a student to get connected with our services, one way that students can be referred to Counseling Services is by using our Referral Form. After a referral is submitted, one of our counseling staff members will reach out to the student directly within 24-48 hours in an attempt to establish contact.
(Please note: This form is for faculty and staff only. If you are a parent, family, friend, or student looking to refer another student, or have concerns about another student, please call Counseling Services at (412) 396-6204 to speak with a counseling staff member.)
College is change, challenge, growth and exploration ... new people, ideas, values, freedoms and responsibilities. You can expect your student to fight the push to let go and the pull to return in their relationship with you. Your changing relationship will require a new balance. Communication is the key.
Discuss differences.
Try new ways of relating.
Re-evaluate your ideas and ways of doing things.
Share your ideas and thoughts, don't impose them.
Allow your student to make decisions and learn from mistakes.
We can help with free, confidential counseling to help your student in their new adult role, work through homesickness, get over the loss of a relationship, and explore majors and career paths.