Introduction
The Counseling Center is here to support students at JMU and is committed to appreciating individual differences within our university community. We strive to promote and affirm student experiences by fostering an emotionally safe, respectful, and supportive environment.
The staff of the Counseling Center views diversity as including all of the various identities and characteristics that comprise unique individuals. In our work, we understand and respect cultural, individual, and role differences—including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, political affiliation, and socioeconomic status—and consider these factors when working with members of the JMU campus community.
We recognize some students may share identities that have been disproportionately affected by past, recent, and current events. Please see below for examples of CC services that can provide support, as well as resources which may be of interest.
Support Services At JMU
The Counseling Center offers a wide-range of services designed to support students in their personal and professional endeavors with the goal of promoting well-being in all aspects of life. Students experiencing recent and/or ongoing stressors, including: adjustment to JMU, academic stress, oppression, aggression, microaggressions, and/or discrimination before or during their academic careers, may wish to access more information on strategies for:
In fact, these are common reasons why students seek counseling services here on campus. The Counseling Center offers free, confidential support recommendations to any student who is interested in receiving additional support. During a first visit students meet with a clinician to discuss treatment needs and receive resource referral recommendations.
Services at the CC can include:
Individual & Couples Counseling
Individual counseling provides students with a safe and confidential environment. Counseling at the Counseling Center is a collaborative endeavor in which the counselor and client work together to identify goals and directions for treatment.
The Counseling Center offers 3-session and 1-session specialized workshops to assist students in reducing anxiety symptoms, improving mood, increasing resiliency, and improving self-care. These programs include numerous evidence-based strategies and interventions. They are one of the quickest ways to reduce symptoms and access clinical services.
During the Fall and Spring Semesters of each academic year, the Counseling Center offers confidential group counseling designed to provide support.
Consultation services are available to students as well as friends, faculty, staff, and family members. These services can help provide an understanding of the available Counseling Center services and how to help support students. To access these services, please contact the Counseling Center and request a consultation, by phone or in person, for you or about someone you know.
Additional Resources
This list is not exhaustive and may not address the unique needs of all members of our JMU community who may feel impacted right now because of the identities that they hold. While we are committed to continually updating this information, we encourage you to reach out to our Center (540-568-6552) if you would like support in connecting with services or resources not yet listed.
Please know that the resources below are not endorsed by the CC and the CC is not responsible for the content of or service(s) provided by these resources.
Coping with Racism Related Stress & Trauma:
MSC 0801
738 South Mason Street
Room - 3rd Floor, Suite 3100
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Monday-Friday: 8am-4:30pm
24/7 Mental Health Emergency Support
Call (540)568-6552, after hours press 1
