Mission Statement

Counseling Services of BRCC provides psychological support to students as they pursue their academic and personal goals. Our department realizes that the college years pose both challenges and opportunities. We would like to enhance the quality of each student’s experience at Baton Rouge Community College. The ultimate goal is to help you grow in self-understanding, so that you can better cope with your immediate situation and with future decisions. Our services are funded through tuition and are free of charge, although students are responsible for the cost of any off-campus referred services. 

Diversity Statement

In Counseling Services, we promote the celebration of diversity and multiculturalism, as well as differences in age, ethnicity, gender, language, mental and physical ability, race, sexual orientation, social and economic status, spirituality, and worldview. You are afforded the freedom to explore, in confidence, any problems, feelings, or fears that are important to you. We adhere to the strict Ethical Code of Conduct established by the American Counseling Association. This means information discussed in counseling is strictly confidential and will not be released to anyone outside of Counseling and Accessibility Services without the client's written consent, and any limits to confidentiality will be discussed in detail.

Student life can occasionally become stressful and unpleasant. Students may find it challenging to perform at their best while dealing with stress related to their studies, finances, or social lives. Additionally, additional stresses like trauma, sickness, grief, and prejudice can make things more difficult.

If you or someone you know is in need of counseling and/or accessibility services or would like additional information, please complete the online referral form.

If you are a currently enrolled student and would like to schedule a counseling appointment, please complete the consent to treatment.

Counseling Services Provides:

  • Short-term counseling for such matters as: anxiety, depression, loneliness, identity, stress management, time management, eating concerns, relationship concerns, grief and loss, family stress, sexual orientation, college-related transition, coping skills, developmental issues, self-esteem, and personal growth and development.
  • Skills development for academic success, such as: time management, motivational skills, and reduction of performance-related anxiety (such as test anxiety).
  • Support and brief counseling for students recovering from sexual assault and/or domestic violence.
  • Assessment and referral to other campus resources and referral to community resources, particularly for students whose presenting concerns are beyond Counseling Services’ scope of practice.
  • Crisis intervention.
     

Limited Service:

  • Counseling Services does not provide long-term intensive counseling and psychotherapy.
  • Counseling Services does not provide treatment services for alcohol and drug use/abuse. Counselors will meet with students seeking such treatment for a brief time to provide support, assess the students’ needs, and assist them with referrals to off-campus resources.
  • Counseling Services does not prescribe or monitor psychotropic or any other medications. At students’ request, counselors will make a referral to a community resource for medication evaluation.
  • Students may be mandated for a counseling assessment by an external source; however, these students will be evaluated to discern personal motivation and goals for counseling; if none, students may be referred to other campus or community resources.
     

When to Seek Counseling:

  •  Persistent ideas to hurt oneself or other people
  • Feeling isolated, perplexed, or incapable of coping with a recent loss or tragedy
  • Persistently depressed, losing interest in academics and being unable to enjoy even enjoyable activities
  • Excessive agitation, anxiety, or panic when confronted with social and academic obligations
  • Changes in temperament, attitude, or mood that are obvious, such as mood swings that cause risk-taking or violent conduct
  • Unsuccessful attempts to curb alcohol or drug usage, or unanticipated effects of such behavior
  • Changes in job or academic performance brought on by stress or attention issues
  • Recognizing mental or behavioral tendencies that don't appear to promote personal development and satisfaction

Counseling Services for Faculty and Staff

Counseling Services is available to faculty and staff for consultation purposes only. For personal counseling, faculty and staff members should contact Human Resources to inquire about the college’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

Baton Rouge Community College does not discriminate in its educational and employment policies and procedures with regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.