Counseling Services mission is to work collaboratively with all students to support their academic success and personal growth during their time at Dean College.
Counseling Services does not provide long-term psychotherapy. Students who have serious psychiatric conditions or appear to be a risk to themselves or the Dean Community may be referred to a community mental health provider. The college has a Campus Assessment Response and Evaluation Team that reviews student cases weekly to determine a course of action that may include clinical services.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling provides a private, confidential setting for students to resolve personal difficulties and achieve personal growth. Sessions typically last 50 minutes and students may be seen for single or multiple sessions.
Support Groups
Group counseling offers students an opportunity to identify with peers who have similar personal difficulties or interests. A group setting encourages students to gain insight, increase self-awareness, and learn alternative ways of looking at and coping with personal problems. A diverse array of groups are offered throughout the academic year. These may include:
- Grief/Loss
- Effective Coping Skills
- Alcohol and Drugs
- Managing Anxiety
Psycho-Educational Programs and Workshops
Counseling Services provides ongoing educational programs to provide information, offer opportunities for discussions, and teach skills to enhance a student's overall well-being and success. Programs include workshops, classroom lectures, discussions and presentations in the residence halls. Our office addresses common emotional, social and behavioral topics relevant to the Dean student. Past Programs have included the following topics:
- Alcohol and Drug Use
- Coping with Grief/Trauma
- Crisis Intervention/Suicide Prevention
- Depression and/or Anxiety
- Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving
- Stress Management and Meditation
- Healthy Relationships
Consultation and Training
Dean clinicians provide consultation and training for all offices across campus as well as faculty and staff. These include, but are not limited to, Residence Life, The Morton Family Learning Center, Athletics and Advising.
Medication
Counseling Services does not prescribe or monitor psychotropic and/or any other medications. A student who requests these services will be referred to a community physician or psychiatrist for a medication evaluation.
Counseling Resources
The Counseling Services is staffed by professionally trained counselors. All students have access to the Counseling Center free and confidential services. For additional counseling resources, click here.
Hours of Operation- Spring 2024
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Weekends | CLOSED |
Contact Us
To make an appointment complete the counseling request form by scanning the QR code, visit us in Chapman House, or call us at 508-541-1600. The counseling request form can also be found on the front page of Today@Dean.
Director of Counseling Services
508-541-1602
Sam is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling from Anna Maria College. Before working in higher education Sam spent time working for community-based settings as a clinical supervisor for programs geared towards youth and young adults with diagnosed mental health disorders. Sam approaches her work with students using a strength based and trauma informed lens. Sam specializes in crisis intervention and mood disorders. Sam utilizes and is trained in evidence-based therapy modalities such as cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy. Sam works in collaboration with students to support them by identifying their needs and personal goals to increase their college success. Sam is available to meet with students Monday – Friday by appointment. When not at work Sam enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog. Sam loves to travel and explore new places; she enjoys spending her time at the beach in the summer and skiing in the mountains in the winter.
Clinician
508-541-1585
Melissa Belkin, LICSW, returns to Dean College with 17 years of experience counseling teenagers and young adults. Melissa understands the multitude of issues college students experience and provides a safe and confidential space to discuss any topics students want to share. Melissa also teaches Cognitive Behavioral Techniques to help students with anxiety and/or depression. Melissa is available to meet with students on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment.
Clinician
508-541-1587
Melissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Salem State University, a Masters in Sociology from Bowling Green State University and a BA from William Smith College. Melissa has experience working in community health organizations with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. She has assisted clients in couples, groups, families as well as individual counseling. Melissa has a special interest in assisting individuals with marginalized identities including race, ethnicity, abilities/disabilities, gender, sexuality, religion and socioeconomic status. She enjoys creating a safe and supportive environment for students to engage in therapy. Melissa is available to meet with students Monday – Friday by appointment. When Melissa is not working, she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dogs, training Jiu Jitsu, traveling and crochet.
Clinician
508-541-1502
Ron is a licensed clinical social worker and holds a master’s degree in social work from Boston College. He applies a person-centered, strengths-based perspective to his areas of specialization, which include major life changes, relationship challenges, crisis intervention, and mood disorders. Prior to joining the Counseling Center at Dean College, Ron held the position of clinical social worker at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. He was also an adjunct professor of sociology at Bristol Community College. Outside of work, he has completed numerous hikes with the Appalachian Mountain Club, enjoys traveling with family, and pursues his interest in reading historical biographies. Ron is available by appointment on Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays.