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Personal Counseling
Personal Counseling can assist in developing strategies when times are difficult, while remaining focused on your academic goals. Different than talking with a friend--even a close friend--it is a place to reflect and work through what's on your mind. Students usually seek out counseling when they have experienced a painful event or when their emotions are overwhelming and keep them from being a productive student. Some students meet once or twice, while others find it helpful to meet longer. It depends upon what the goals of counseling are and what is hoped to be achieved. If a student needs more intensive counseling, appropriate referrals will be offered.

Although unique to each student, some of the issues students may address in counseling are: 
  • Adjustment to college life
  • Relationship problems
  • Sadness or depression
  • Questions about sexuality
  • Feeling on-edge or anxious
  • Concerns about alcohol or substance-abuse
  • Referrals to on-campus and community resources

The work between the counselor and the student is confidential, which is further explained when meeting with the counselor. There is no outside record of your visit. If the student wishes to have any information disclosed, they must provide written permission to do so. Ultimately, we view the counselor-student relationship as one built on trust and confidentiality. If you ever have any questions/concerns, please let your counselor know.

To make an appointment call Lorel Maynard, Administrative Assistant at 413-236-1605 or Lisa Mattila, Personal Counselor at 413-236-1609 or come to the Student Development Center, past the College Store in the Susan B. Anthony Building. If you have an urgent concern, we will see you as soon as possible.


Lisa Mattila, LMHC

Telephone: 413-236-1609 or 236-1605

E-mail: lmattila@berkshirecc.edu

Office Hours:
8:30-4:30, Monday-Friday

 If Urgent or an Emergency After Office Hours, please call:

Brien Center Crisis Team:
413-499-0412  
 or
1-800-252-0227
 OR
Berkshire Medical Center Emergency:
413-477-2000

Community Resources- Berkshire County and More
♦♦ Helpful websites on mental health issues and wellness ♦♦

Welcome to BCC's Counseling Services on-line screening, in collaboration with Screening for Mental Health. Mental health issues can affect you or those around you. This screening can provide information in recognizing symptoms and how to access help. This could be your first step in getting back your life.

http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/bcc   

Mass Help: http://mass211help.org/

On-Line Resource for College Mental Health: http://www.ulifeline.org/ Your confidential resource for college mental health and substance-abuse information. Learn more about how to protect your own emotional health and what to do if you or a friend is struggling.

Depression Screening: http://www.depressionscreening.org/ Take an on-line screening to find out if you or someone you care about is depressed. Find out what depression is and why those suffering from it should get help.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: http://www.afsp.org/ The leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.

The Jed Foundation: http://jedfoundation.com/ The Jed Foundation works to reduce emotional distress and prevent suicide among college students. They work to reduce stigma students have asking for help and provide resources.

National Institute of Mental Health: http://nimh.nih.gov/ Learn about mental health issues you or a friend might be struggling with. Mental health diagnoses are listed to help you identify specific symptoms you are experiencing. Information from anxiety to suicide is available.

Websites on Substance-Abuse Issues:

Alcohol Screening: http://www.alcoholscreening.org/ Learn about alcohol and health, how to recognize a problem and determine what low-risk drinking is.

Facts on Tap: http://factsontap.org/ Explore the myths and realities of drinking and using substances and why you might really have more fun without the alcohol. Take a test to determine if you or someone you care about has a drinking problem.

National Institute for Drug-Abuse:http://www.drugabuse.gov/ Lists all effects of all substances, clinical trial information and has links to other pertinent websites

Substance Abuse and Mental Health: http://samhsa.gov/ Become informed about substances, treatment programs, and campaigns addressing the needs of every age group.

Regarding Violence against Women and Sexual Assault Prevention:

Jane Doe Inc.: http://www.janedoe.org/ The Massachusetts Coalition against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Jane Doe Inc. brings together organizations and people committed to ending all violence against women.

Prevent Connect: http://www.preventconnect.org/ Prevention Connection is a national on-line project dedicated to the primary prevention of violence against women

Note: Information found on these websites should not be considered official Berkshire Community College information. While we hope that you will find these websites helpful, you should know the information, views and opinions contained within them are strictly those of the authors.