Appointments

Students can make appointments either by calling or walking into the Counseling Center on either campus. The phone number at Lawreneville is (609) 896-5157 and at Westminster is (609) 921-7100 x8275. When a student calls he/she will be asked for background information such as name, age, phone number, whether a resident or commuter student, year, times available and the reason for scheduling (optional). This information is helpful in assigning a counselor to the student.

Another way to schedule appointments is to walk over to the counseling center. The Lawrenceville Counseling Center is located in Zoerner House on Lawrenceville Road between Rider University's two entrances.  The Westminster Counseling Office is located on the 2nd floor of Williamson Hall.  Once here, student information is requested and the student may meet with a counselor if one is available. If a counselor is not available, the student can schedule an appointment for a later date.

Referrals

Referring others to University Counseling Services is an important and sometimes difficult task. A good referral is one where the student feels understood, realizes that there is a competent source of help available, and is motivated to seek out that help. Every year many students, faculty, and staff call or come to the Counseling Services expressing concern about a fellow student, friend or roommate. We recommend that you approach the student you are concerned about in a gentle, caring and non-judgmental way and specifically state why you are concerned. Then suggest that he/she seek out a professional assessment at Counseling Services. Most of the time the student will feel relieved that there is help available and will agree to make an appointment. If you want to offer extra support, you can have the student call the Lawrenceville Counseling Center (609-896-5157) or Princeton office (609-921-7100 x8275) from your office or room, and/or offer to accompany the student to his/her first appointment. If the person you are concerned about refuses to get help immediately (and it is not an emergency situation), try to be friendly and remain open to the possibility that he/she may want your help in the future. Feel free to consult with one of our staff about any student.