Delaware Valley University Counseling Services exists to support the well-being of students by providing a confidential, inclusive environment in which students feel safe to discuss any concerns that interfere with their academic and interpersonal success.
The Delaware Valley University counseling center offers a variety of counseling services to undergraduate and graduate students at no extra cost. We utilize a short-term counseling model to empower students and help them learn and refine skills that can be used throughout their lives. Some common presenting concerns that we address include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, homesickness, relationships, stress management, and substance abuse. Students presenting issues that cannot be adequately addressed by short-term counseling or whose presenting issues would require more intensive services will be referred to community resources.
Emergency Info
- For on-campus mental health emergencies, please contact Public Safety at 215-489-4444.
- For off-campus mental health emergencies, contact your nearest local emergency services at 911, 988, or Lenape Valley 24-hr crisis hotline at 215-345-5327.
A mental health emergency is formally defined as:
- Suicidal thoughts with a plan and/or intent
- Thoughts about harming another person with a plan and/or intent
- Experienced a recent traumatic event (e.g., victim of a mugging, sexual assault, recent death)
- Experiencing hallucinations (visual or auditory)
- Often, a student may be experiencing acute distress and/or may feel they are in crisis even if they are not experiencing the symptoms above. We encourage anyone concerned about a student to contact public safety at 215.489.4444. For non-urgent concerns, contact the counseling center to make an appointment or schedule an assessment.
Counseling is a collaborative, unique experience between student and counselor. Students should feel empowered to talk about their life experiences in a nonjudgemental, confidential and supportive environment. A therapist’s role is to facilitate a student’s stress relief and accomplish goals during their college experience.
- In your meeting with a counselor, you can expect the counselor to listen to your concerns, to help you expand your understanding of your concerns, and to assist you in identifying steps you can take to address these concerns.
- You can expect the counselor to take your concerns seriously and to be willing to discuss anything you want to discuss. While counselors may have different styles and approaches, each will want to work cooperatively with you to address the concerns you present.
Students can discuss a wide range of personal and academic concerns with a counselor, including mental health challenges, relationship issues, academic difficulties, and adjustment problems. Counselors provide a confidential and supportive space for students to explore their issues and develop coping strategies.
Counseling services are included in tuition. A student can utilize our services at no additional out-of-pocket cost.
- Full-time undergrad: eight sessions per semester
- Full-time grad: five sessions per year
- Part-time students: one consultation
Students making their first appointment can email, call, or walk into the counseling center to request an appointment. The counseling center can be contacted at:
215-489-2317
Elson Hall
For students who have previously utilized DelVal Counseling, you can reach out to your counselor directly to make another appointment, or use the above contact information.
Due to the high volume of appointments, we cannot guarantee immediate availability for walk-ins. We strongly recommend scheduling an appointment in advance to meet with a counselor.
If you are in crisis and need immediate support:
- On campus: Contact Public Safety at 215-489-4444
- Off campus (Bucks County): Call Lenape Valley’s 24-hour Crisis Center at 215-345-5327 or dial 988 for the national crisis line
All information and data of the counseling center is confidential and will not be disclosed to any other person or agency without the student's consent, except as required by law and professional ethics. Please request a copy of the Informed Consent Form or ask to speak with a counselor for more information regarding exceptions to confidentiality.
No, DelVal counseling services cannot help in the ESA process. Students should visit the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) to learn more about how to register an ESA.
To cancel or reschedule a counseling appointment, please contact your counselor directly via their email. You can also reach the general counseing email: counseling@delval.edu
Attendance Policy
We ask that students be mindful of their scheduled counseling appointments. Missed appointments, frequent cancellations, and no-shows not only affect your own progress but also limit availability for other students seeking support.
To ensure fair access to services, our policy states that three no-shows in a single semester will result in a referral to an off-campus provider. This helps ensure that all students who wish to meet with a counselor have the opportunity to do so.
If you need to cancel an appointment, please reach out to your counselor as soon as possible and in advance of your appointment.
- College can be a challenging time for young adults because of a variety of adjustments, time away from home or friends and academic pressure to name a few. It is important for parents to be instrumental in recognizing the signs of distress in their student and feel empowered to help them while they are in college.
-
Some signs of distress can include: Changes in behavior, change in academic performance after acclimating to college, withdrawal from friends or family, loss of interest in hobbies or things they used to enjoy. Others could include missing classes, disturbance in eating or sleeping or a large shift in mood or appearance.
Other Signs of Distress
Signs of emotional or psychological distress may include:
- A persistent sad, anxious, or emotionally "numb" mood
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness
- Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
- Excessive anxiety or worry
- Noticeable decline in personal hygiene
- Unexplained physical complaints that do not improve with medical treatment
- References to suicide-expressed thoughts to suicide or self-harm; wondering if the world would be better without them, isolation from family and friends; or giving away prized possessions.
- If you believe your student is an immediate threat to themselves or others, please contact DelVal Public Safety at 215-489-4444.
Tips for Talking to Your Student if You Notice a Change in Their Behavior or Mood
- If you’re concerned about your student’s behavior or emotional well-being, try to approach the conversation from a place of empathy, curiosity, and non-judgment. Let your student take the lead—listen actively, allow them to express their concerns, and avoid rushing to offer solutions.
- Gently suggest support options such as the Counseling Center on campus or an off-campus provider. Sometimes, simply offering a compassionate and non-critical ear can help your student feel seen and supported—not alone. This kind of connection can increase the likelihood that they’ll seek and follow through with help.
Links for parents of college students:
- Jed Foundation http://www.jedfoundation.org/
- College Parents of America http://www.collegeparents.org
