Department Staff

Counseling Services

Counseling Services is dedicated to supporting students dealing with emotional and mental health concerns while also making the health and safety of our community a priority as we adapt to the COVID-19 threat. As we return to campus, Counseling Services will provide both in-person and teletherapy sessions, outreach activities, programs, psychoeducational groups and will collaborate with The Office of Wellbeing and Salem’s student organizations to ensure that students are supported as we adjust to the “new normal.”

Individual Counseling Appointments

We are here for you! We are currently providing teletherapy sessions and in-person sessions depending on circumstances. We will determine which type of appointment is appropriate when we set the first appointment.

To request an appointment, email counseling.services@salem.edu. Please include your phone number and the day/times that work best for you. One of our staff will respond to confirm an appointment time.

Office Hours:

Monday through Thursday:8:30am-4:30pm
Friday:8:30am-4:00pm

Counseling Goals:

  • to respond to any student mental health crisis on campus, assess for danger to self or others and refer appropriately
  • to work with each student to identify individual goals toward positive change through counseling and education
  • to develop strategies for dealing with symptoms and stressors
  • to identify and utilize available support resources and crisis services
  • to support student self-advocacy with an understanding of rights and responsibilities
  • to make referrals to community resources when appropriate

Why Counseling?

The life of a college student can be exciting, rewarding, challenging, fulfilling and stressful. If you find yourself struggling at any point with some issue or circumstance in your life, or if you simply want suggestions on how to balance your life and take better care of yourself, please contact Salem College’s Counseling Services office.

We provide high-quality counseling and support for a variety of emotional and personal concerns using on-campus support, individual and group counseling, workshops and educational programs. Our professional counselors demonstrate good judgment and sensitivity in their assessment of your needs and concerns and will make referrals to other professionals as appropriate. The Counseling Center is a safe, compassionate and confidential environment.

What Can You Expect from Counseling?

When you meet with a trained counselor in our center, either one-on-one or in a group setting, here is what you can expect from the experience:

  • You will do most of the talking.
  • Sometimes you may experience painful feelings before feeling better. This does not mean that counseling is not effective, but rather that you are making progress.
  • You will need to participate actively and be as open and honest as possible.
  • Counselors will not make decisions for you, but will help you make decisions for yourself.
  • Tell your counselor if you don’t feel like you are making appropriate progress.
  • You may ask for another referral or discontinue counseling at any time.

After-Hours Emergency Resources

For after-hours mental health emergencies, contact Salem Public Safety at 336-917-5555 or the Resident Advisor or Area Coordinator on-call for your area at 336-837-5005.

Mental Health Hotlines – local and national

  • Crisis Text Line – free, 24/7, confidential text message service for those in crisis – text HOME to 741741 www.crisistextline.org
  • Family Services-Winston Salem- crisis support 24/7 call 336-723-8125
  • Family Services Sexual Assault 24hr Crisis Line, Winston Salem – 336-722-4457
  • Old Vineyard Behavioral Health 24hr Psychiatric Acute Care Services 336-794-3350
  • DayMark Mobile Crisis 24hr- 1-866-275-9552
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255
  • Transgender Crisis Hotline: (877) 656-8860
  • LGBTQ+ Hotline: (866) 488-7386
  • Graduate Student Help Line (800) 472-3457

*Please refer to Salem READY, Salem STRONG for additional information/resources.

Location & Hours

The Salem College Counseling Services office is located in Gramley Hall (Lower Level). During the academic year, the hours are 8:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. & 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and otherwise by appointment.

Additional Resources

Suicide prevention

Anxiety and Depression

Racial Trauma/ Racial Justice

Immigration

Addictions/Substance Use

Gender and Sexuality Resources

Grief/Loss

Eating Disorders

Time Management/Study Skills

Relationships

Sexual Assault

Stress Management

Self-Harm

Workshops

Workshops are offered to Salem students throughout the year. Some of these are offered as information sessions in the Refectory during lunch; others are scheduled for about an hour on announced days/evenings.Topics may cover stress/anxiety management, mindfulness, grief/loss issues, alcohol/drug education, clinical depression, eating and body concerns,sexual assault/consent issues, family concerns and/or relationship issues.