Help Is Available

The Student Counseling Center at Medaille is a professionally staffed clinical counseling, consultation, training and outreach center geared toward the holistic well-being of Medaille’s student body.

Mission

At Medaille’s Student Counseling Center, our mission is to enhance student potential for learning and success, and to promote the emotional health and well-being of the campus community through the delivery of responsive, trauma-informed, empirically-based, and culturally competent mental health services for all Medaille University students.

Counseling Center Staff

Rosalina Rizzo, LCSW-R
Clinical Director
(716) 880-2339

Deniese Reding
Senior Counselor, Student Advocate
(716) 880-2246

Scheduling an Appointment

Appointments can be made by calling (716) 880-2339.

You may also obtain an appointment by completing the intake paperwork online on our secure student counseling intake form.

Once you have completed your intake questionnaire and have submitted your information, you will be contacted within two business days to schedule an appointment. Should you have any questions, please contact the Student Counseling Center at (716) 880-2339.

The Counseling Center is located within the Wellness Center at 85 Humboldt on the Buffalo campus.

If you cannot wait for an appointment because your situation is urgent and/or you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please walk in and ask for an emergency mental health appointment. You will be seen by a staff member as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know are experiencing a crisis or psychological emergency after business hours, please dial 911, or contact Crisis Services at (716) 834-3131, or go to your local hospital’s emergency room. In addition Medaille University Campus Safety can be reached at (716) 880-2911.

Counseling Center Services

Student Counseling Services are available free of charge to all registered, matriculated Medaille students. The Student Counseling Center is located within the Wellness Center at 85 Humboldt on the Buffalo campus.

Some typical concerns addressed include:

Academic stress

Adjustment to college

Alcohol or substance abuse

Anger management

Anxiety

Death of someone close

Depression

Eating concerns and body image

Family concerns

LGBTQ support

Loneliness

Relationship issues

Separation and divorce

Sexuality and decision making

Sexual or physical victimization

Stress management

Or any other concern which may impact a student’s academic success or personal well-being

Medaille Counseling Services utilizes a short term model of individual counseling. You and your assigned counselor will discuss how frequently you will be seen. When students require mental health services that are beyond the scope of Medaille Student Counseling Services, we will make referrals to community resources.  Some of the issues that are commonly addressed through referral to community providers include:

The need to be seen more frequently than bi-weekly

The inability or unwillingness to provide the necessary information to thoroughly access symptoms

Non-compliance with treatment recommendations

The need for specialized services not available through Medaille Student Counseling Services such as intensive outpatient substance abuse, eating disorder, or mood disorder treatment, inpatient services, court mandated assessment or treatment requirements.

How are counseling services accessed?
Students may complete an intake form and once form has been submitted, the student will be contacted within two business days for appointment scheduling. Students may also call the office at (716) 880-2339 or (716) 880-2246 to schedule.  If you need sooner assistance, you may walk in to the Wellness Center at 85 Humboldt Parkway (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.).  If you are having an emergency and are on campus, call Campus Safety at (716) 880-2911. If you are off campus, call 911 for emergency assistance.

Student Advocacy Through Case Management

What is Case Management?
It is common for students to experience difficulty at some point during their college career. This can be related to academic pressures, personal issues, or physical/mental health problems. Case management services are offered to help students safely and effectively navigate such challenges and stay on the path towards academic success. 

The student advocate may help a student:

Identify and problem-solve barriers to academic and personal success.

Assess the type of assistance and resources needed.

Explore personal strengths, self-care and wellness strategies.

Develop or strengthen their support system.

Navigate and access on- and off-campus resources.

Stay on track with identified goals.

Overcome obstacles in accessing help.

Transition back to campus after a medical leave of absence, hospitalization, or difficult life circumstance.

Proactively address problems/stressors to avert more serious difficulties.

How is a student referred for case management?
A student can be referred to case management services by faculty, staff, family, or a fellow student when they have concerns for a student's well-being.  (Please note: the student must be aware and agree with being referred to case management.)  This can be done by completing the online case management form or by calling the Student Counseling Center at (716) 880-2246 or (716) 880-2339.

Students can also self-refer and contact the student advocate directly, in order to access support and assistance. 

Psychological Testing
Psychological and cognitive testing is possible through a collaboration with the Medaille University PsyD department and is dependent on availability. Faculty or staff may make a referral for this service. Please complete the psychological testing referral form or call (716) 880-2246 for more information.

Preventing Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Most Medaille Students Make Responsible Choices

You might think that most college students use alcohol and other drugs in a high-risk way. But the reality is that most college students — including most students at Medaille — make responsible choices.

Party Smart Tips

Know your limits and set them ahead of time:

• Keep track of your drinks and pace them to one per hour
• Avoid mysterious drinks with unknown alcohol content
• Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Eat before and during drinking
• Avoid drinking games, shots and chugging
• Do not mix alcohol with energy drinks
• Choose a drink with lower alcohol content
• Use the buddy system to make sure everyone has fun and gets home safely

Know the Rules

If you violate the rules regarding the possession or consumption of alcohol, you may face college disciplinary action or even criminal arrest. Remember — the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows Medaille University to notify parents if a student is involved in an alcohol- or other drug-related incident.
 
View the Rules and Regulations

Signs of an Alcohol or Drug Problem

How can you tell if you or someone you know is addicted to drugs or alcohol? Here are a few warning signs to watch out for:
 

• Blackouts or memory loss
• Using alcohol or other drugs to deal with stress
• Trying to hide drinking or drug use
• Taking more risks than usual
• A decline in grades or class attendance due to alcohol or drug use
• Relationship problems with friends, family and professors

 
If you or someone you know has a problem, seek help. 

On campus:
Call the Student Counseling Center for assistance at (716) 880-2339

Locally:
Horizon Health Services at (716) 831-1800

Nationally:
SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Online Resources:
samhsa.gov
verywellmind.com

Medaille University Student Urgent Needs (SUN) Fund

If you are experiencing an urgent need that impacts the pursuit of your educational goals in any of the following areas: transportation, food insecurity, academic supplies, personal care items and clothing, there is support available through the Medaille University Student Urgent Needs (SUN) Fund.

Learn More About the SUN Fund

Counseling Center Resources

Crisis Resources and Confidential Reporting

Sexual Assault Assistance

Confidential Online Resources

University Response Online Screening for Depression, Anxiety, Alcohol Abuse and Eating Disorders

Ulifeline - online behavioral support system for young adults

Go Ask Alice

Other Online Resources

Comprehensive Overview of Mental Health Disorders

Student Counseling Center Community Connections 

^{Disclaimer: The Counseling Center does not guarantee the reliability of information on the links that are not necessarily operated by Medaille University. We do not review or monitor the content of non-Medaille websites. Links are provided as a service to our visitors. Please note that the views and opinions expressed on those links are those of various governmental departments, schools and agencies and their officials and are not necessarily those of Medaille University and/or its members. Medaille University is not responsible for the content of non-Medaille websites. Your use of these websites is subject to the terms and conditions of those sites.}

^{Please note that many of these sites refer to services and provide phone numbers that are not associated with Medaille University. If you are interested in determining if similar services are available at Medaille University, please contact our Counseling Center at (716) 880-2339.}

Resources for Parents

Students can benefit greatly from informed and involved parents. As you are well aware, the balance of providing support, remaining connected and facilitating independence can be very challenging. This balance nonetheless is an important one. It requires patience and self-nurturance. It requires remembering that mistakes are inevitable and these mistakes are opportunities for growth.

Best wishes to you and your family as you venture on this new and sometimes challenging journey. Listed below are some links that you may find of benefit.

PFLAG (Parents, Families, Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
Offers helpful information about issues facing LGBT individuals and how loved ones can advocate for them.

Amazon
Link opens a search in the books section for parents of college students.

Self-Help and Mental Health Resources
The information on our website and in our self-help library is not a substitute for help from a qualified mental health professional. Please do not hesitate to contact the Counseling Center at (716) 880-2339 or in-person at 85 Humboldt Parkway.

Self-Help Resources
The Counseling Office provides brochures on a wide range of topics. These can be found at the Counseling Center at 85 Humboldt Parkway, and in various departments across campus.

Additional Online Resources

College Response Online Screening for Depression, Anxiety, Alcohol Abuse and Eating Disorders

Ulifeline - online behavioral support system for young adults

A Guide for People Who Question Their Sexual Orientation

Sexual Assault Risk Reduction and Bystander Information

Crisis and Confidential Sexual Assault Resources

Medaille University Counseling Services
Rosalina Rizzo
(716) 880-2339
85 Humboldt Pkwy, at the Medaille University Wellness Center
Services: Free mental health counseling is available to any student dealing with assault to themselves or someone else. Counseling is available for any reason whether related to trauma or not.

Medaille University Health Services
Amy Glover, Director of Health Services
(716) 880-2112
85 Humboldt Pkwy
Located at the Medaille University Wellness Center
Services: Provides extensive primary healthcare to the Medaille community.

Erie County

Crisis Services
24-hour Hotline: (716) 834-3131
2969 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214
Services: The Advocate Program provides confidential response and support for survivors of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, family violence and elder abuse – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Domestic Violence Response for Erie County (Family Justice Center)
(716) 862-HELP (4357)
(716) 884-6000 (for shelter)

Monroe County

RESTORE
(585) 546-2777
24-hour Confidential Sexual Assault Hotline

Lifeline
(585) 275-5151
Services: Available for any issue: suicide, anxiety, bullying, depression, sexual assault and domestic violence

Genesee County

Care + Crisis Helpline (24-Hour Confidential Hotline and Live Text)
1-844-345-4400
(585) 344-4400
Services: Available for any issue: suicide, anxiety, bullying, depression, sexual assault

RESTORE
24-hour Confidential Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-527-1757
Services: Available to victims of sexual assault and anyone who has been affected by sexual assault/violence whether recent or in the past.

YWCA Confidential Domestic Violence Crisis and Prevention Services
(585) 343-7513
Services: Immediate aid, shelter, counseling, children’s services, court advocacy available for anyone (man, woman, or child) who is a victim or witness of domestic abuse.

Livingston County

Care + Crisis Helpline (24-Hour Confidential Hotline and Live Text)
1-844-345-4400
(585) 344-4400
Services: Available for any issue: suicide, anxiety, bullying, depression, sexual assault

Orleans County

Care + Crisis Helpline (24-Hour Confidential Hotline and Live Text)
1-844-345-4400
(585) 344-4400

Lifeline
(585) 275-5151
Services: Available for any issue: suicide, anxiety, bullying, depression, sexual assault and domestic violence

RESTORE
24-hour Confidential Sexual Assault Hotline)
1-800-527-1757
Services: Available to victims of sexual assault and anyone who has been affected by sexual assault/violence whether recent or in the past.

Niagara County

24 Hour Crisis Help
(716) 285-3515

Wyoming County

Care + Crisis Helpline (24-Hour Confidential Hotline and Live Text)
1-844-345-4400
(585) 344-4400
Services: Available for any issue: suicide, anxiety, bullying, depression, sexual assault and domestic violence

RESTORE
24-hour Confidential Sexual Assault Hotline)
1-800-527-1757
Services: Available to victims of sexual assault and anyone who has been affected by sexual assault/violence whether recent or in the past.

Other Areas in Western NY

Call 2-1-1 for free and confidential guidance (not Crisis) in linking with services in your area.

In Canada (Greater Niagara Area)

Distress Center Niagara
St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Area (905) 688-3711
Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Area (905) 734-1212
Fort Erie and Area (905) 382-0689
Grimsby, West Lincoln and Area (905) 563- 6674

National Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

National Sexual Assault Hotline / RAINN 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)