In crisis or need immediate support?

See these crisis intervention resources.

Personal Counseling Office

The Student Personal Counseling Office at Penn State Beaver is here for you. We provide a range of confidential services—including virtual and in-person options—to support your mental and emotional well-being.

College can be exciting, but also stressful. Students often face challenges that can impact their academic success and overall wellness. These may include:

  • Academic pressure

  • Family or relationship concerns

  • Financial or work-related stress

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Substance use

  • Identity and sexuality-related concerns

  • Other emotional or psychological issues

While many students manage these challenges successfully, sometimes the pressures can feel overwhelming. Feelings of isolation, helplessness, or hopelessness are not uncommon—and they can interfere with academic performance or lead to harmful behaviors such as:

  • Missing classes

  • Falling behind on assignments

  • Substance misuse

  • Self-harm or other destructive behaviors

You're not alone.
 

Our counselors are here to help you navigate these challenges and get back on track. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and support is just a conversation away.

Common Student Concerns

Many students face emotional, social, or academic challenges during their time in college. You’re not alone—and seeking support can make a real difference.

Some of the most common concerns we help students with include:

  • Difficulty adjusting to college life

  • Homesickness

  • Conflicts with friends, roommates, or family members

  • Anxiety or persistent worry

  • Depression or feelings of sadness

  • Lack of motivation or energy

  • Trouble relaxing or unwinding

  • Uncertainty about your major, career path, or future

  • Difficulty focusing or studying

  • Challenges coping with academic pressures

  • Questions about personal values, beliefs, or identity

Our counseling team is here to support you with compassion and confidentiality. No issue is too big or too small to talk about.

If you're experiencing any of the concerns listed—or any other stressors affecting your well-being—you are strongly encouraged to reach out and make an appointment with a personal counselor.

You matter to us.

Your mental health is important, and you don’t have to face challenges alone. We're here to listen, support, and help you find your way forward.

What services are provided?

Personal counseling offers a variety of confidential and free services for Beaver campus students, including:

  • Individual counseling (in-person or tele-health)
  • Community referrals
  • Programs on topics of well-being
  • Additional counseling and support services, as needed

Basic counseling services are provided at no cost to full-time undergraduate students (enrolled in 12 or more credits) during the semester in which they seek support.

  • A limited number of individual counseling sessions are available per student each academic year.

  • Specialty services may incur additional fees, which will be discussed as needed.

If you're unsure about your eligibility or have questions about available services, please contact our office—we’re here to help clarify your options.

Confidentiality

Your privacy is important to us. Counseling services at CAPS follow all applicable professional standards as well as state and federal laws regarding confidentiality.

Information you share with your counselor is kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed without your written consent, except in specific situations required by law, including:

  • When there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others

  • In cases of child sexual abuse or other mandated reporting situations

  • When required to comply with a court order

We are committed to providing a safe and private space for you to speak freely and receive the support you need.

Type of Counseling Appointments available

  • Consultation: (30-50 minutes) initial appointment for students to meet with counselor and discuss concerns, get information about on- and off-campus resources, and plan for next steps​
  • Same Day: (30 minute) appointment available same day with no prior scheduling needed for non-emergent concerns​
  • Screening: (30-50 minutes)  follow up appointment to gather more detailed information, identify needs, and plan for next steps​
  • Concise: (30 minute) follow up appointment focused on targeted personalized goals, and problem solving​
  • Traditional: (45-55 minute) follow up appointment, part of on-going, short-term counseling services, scheduled at regular intervals

 

How do I make an appointment? 

During regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) students seeking routine counseling services are able to use one of the following methods to schedule a meeting with a campus counselor.  

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Click to Register Online.  (password: caps2020)

  • Schedule by phone: 724-773-3951; Jill Bender, Student Affairs Coordinator can assist.

  • In-Person: Stop by the Office of Student Affairs & Engagement located in the Student Union Building, Room 113.   

Virginia Strutt, MA, LPC, student personal counselor
[email protected] 
724-773-3960 

Brenda Schultz, MA, NCC, student personal and career counselor 
[email protected] 
724-773-3961