Is the Counseling Center staff available to speak with parents?

The Counseling Center welcomes parents' calls. Our staff understands that parents may have concerns about their students, and wish to communicate information about them or to consult with us about these concerns. In the event that a parent wishes to speak to their child's therapist, a signed release of information must be obtained from the student. It is helpful if a parent can make this request of the student. The Counseling Center has a strong commitment to maintain the confidentiality of the information shared by students and, in fact, Ohio law requires it. The only exceptions require psychologists to report current child abuse and to make appropriate notifications when there is an imminent risk to a person's health or safety. In the absence of a release of information, parents are directed to speak with another therapist in the Center. Parents are always free to convey information to us, inquire about counseling and psychological services at Oberlin, and consult with us about any other issues related to their student's care and well-being.

How does my son/daughter make an appointment?

Students can do this over the phone by calling our office number, 440-775-8470, or by stopping by during business hours. The office is located a short walk from the main campus at 247 West Lorain Street, Suite D.

We discourage the use of email communications to contact us regarding an emergency or to schedule an appointment. Email is not a secure means of communication, nor is it an appropriate way to address your child's concerns. The most effective way to receive prompt attention is to call the office during business hours. When the Counseling Center is closed, the Lorain County Mental Health Hotline is available for emergency assistance or consultation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-888-6673, or 440-282-2335.

There are no charges for visits to the Counseling Center. Students may utilize the Center for assessment and short term, issues oriented counseling. In the event that longer term therapy is indicated, your child will be referred to a private practitioner in the community. Oberlin College offers a Sickness and Accident Insurance Plan as a supplement to your individual or family policy, or for students who are uninsured or underinsured. We strongly encourage participation in this insurance plan, even though your child may be included on your family's plan. Insurance companies vary with respect to out-of-state coverage and eligibility of out-of-state providers. All undergraduate students are automatically included in this plan, and will have an annual charge included on the first semester term bill--unless a signed waiver is returned to the Student Accounts Office declining this coverage. The plan provides protection against the expense of sickness and accident, both at Oberlin and off-campus. A consultation and referral by the Oberlin College Counseling Center is required in order to access mental health benefits. The benefit provides up to $1,500 maximum coverage, paying 80% of preferred allowance for in network providers, and 60% of usual and customary charges for out of network providers. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Academic Health Plans at 1-888-308-7320.

This year the staff is comprised of four psychologists licensed by the state of Ohio, a postdoctoral level resident, a graduate trainee, a part time board certified psychiatrist, and an office manager. Each staff member has a web page. Click here to meet our staff.

What are the Counseling Center offices like?

We pride ourselves on having warm, comfortable, inviting offices. The atmosphere in our waiting room is welcoming and friendly, and we offer tea, coffee, and hot chocolate to student visitors, as well as books, magazines, and a number of intriguing manual and electronic puzzles. Counselors' offices are bright and very private, with comfortable furniture. Click here to take a virtual tour of the department.

Depending on the time of year, students are generally seen within a week of calling for an initial appointment. During peak usage times, such as November and April, students may have to wait a little longer to get in. If the student feels she or he can't wait until an appointment time is available, there is a walk-in option, in which the student can come in during a specific one-hour time period each weekday and speak to one of the staff. Walk-in hours are Monday-Tuesday 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, and Wednesday-Friday 1:30-2:30 p.m. Walk-in works on a first-come, first-served basis, and students often have to share that hour with other students, perhaps seeing the counselor individually for 15 or 20 minutes. If the student contacts the Counseling Center and indicates problems that meet the criteria for a psychological emergency, a staff member will be available to see that student and make an assessment within a very short period of time.

Students come to the Counseling Center for many reasons. Many have concerns related to a number of common developmental issues that arise during the college years, including adjustment to college, dependence/independence, autonomy, making friends, dating, identity, career, and changing values. Short-term or longer-term counseling is generally called for to address such problems. At times, students have more significant problems coping with life stresses and may be struggling with depression, anxiety, difficulties with eating or sleeping, eating disordered behavior, substance abuse or addiction, and serious problems with schoolwork. Our staff can meet with students to come to a mutual understanding of counseling needs in these situations, some of which may warrant longer-term counseling and consultation about psychiatric services. Counseling Center staff also provides assessment, short-term therapeutic, and referral services for more serious psychological problems.

Oberlin College has contracted with University Hospitals of Cleveland to provide psychiatric services for Oberlin students. Farah Munir, D.O. is a board certified psychiatrist and holds office hours in the Counseling Center part time during the academic year.

At Oberlin the psychiatrist works in conjunction with staff psychologists in the Counseling Center and medical staff in Student Health Services to provide a holistic approach to treatment. It is our goal to provide quality mental health care and services by assessing each student’s individual needs, and determining the best way to meet those needs. Students expressing a desire to meet with the psychiatrist will initially be scheduled to consult with a professional staff member in the Counseling Center for an assessment, regardless of past or current treatment. All students utilizing the services of Dr. Munir will also be required to provide evidence of a psychotherapeutic relationship with a licensed mental health provider in the Oberlin/Cleveland area. In some cases, this relationship will be with a psychologist in the Counseling Center. In others a referral will be made to a private practitioner in the Oberlin area for ongoing support and psychotherapy. Please schedule an appointment with one of the Counseling Center staff psychologists to discuss your interest in meeting with the psychiatrist.

A few words about the Oberlin College Sickness and Accident Insurance Plan

Oberlin College offers a Sickness and Accident Insurance Plan as a supplement to your individual or family policy, or for students who are uninsured or underinsured. We strongly encourage participation in this insurance plan, even though you may be included on your family's plan. All undergraduate students are automatically included in this plan, and will have an annual charge included on the first semester term bill--unless a signed waiver is returned to the Student Accounts Office declining this coverage. The plan provides protection against the expense of sickness and accident, both at Oberlin and off-campus. A consultation and referral by the Oberlin College Counseling Center is required in order to access mental health benefits. The benefit provides up to $1,500 maximum coverage, paying 80% of preferred allowance for in network providers, and 60% of usual and customary charges for out of network providers. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Academic Health Plans at (888) 308-7320.

Some issues students bring to the Counseling Center warrant more time and attention than the Counseling Center can offer. In addition, at busier times of the school year, referrals for private practice will enable students to have therapy with less wait, facilitating optimal care and attention to students' concerns. In such cases, staff members will work with students and their families to find good quality, financially accessible referral sources in the community. Oberlin is fortunate to have a number of excellent psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors working in private practice within a very short walk of the center of campus. These practitioners are proficient in working with Oberlin College students and the types of issues that arise during the college years. Click here to view our referral list online.

How can I contact the resident director in my child's residence hall?

Resident directors work through the department of Residential Education. Although they may not be immediately available, you may try to reach them by calling the department directly at (440) 775-8472. Click here to go to the Residential Education in-hall staff page.

Finding transportation outside of Oberlin can be challenging. We recommend asking a friend who has a car, or contacting one of the following:

Lorain County Transit
(440) 324-6955
Advance notification (14 days) is required.

A2 Point B Cab Company
(440) 775-7222
ronrim@oberlin.net

Lorain County Cab Company
(440) 322-6555

CityWheels at Oberlin!
CityWheels of Cleveland, a northeast Ohio car sharing company, is partnering with Oberlin College to launch a "fleet" of cars for students. Check out their website for registration information and fee schedules.

If your child has suicidal thoughts or feelings, they should contact the Counseling Center at 440-775-8470, Safety & Security at 440-775-8444, or an area coordinator in Residential Life and Services. When the Counseling Center is closed, the Lorain County Mental Health Hotline is available for emergency assistance or consultation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-888-6673, or 1-440-282-2335.