Individual and Group Counseling
- Individual Counseling: Receive personalized, brief therapy tailored to your unique needs, including an initial assessment to identify goals and strategies. Common topics include managing depression, anxiety, relational conflicts, disordered eating, substance use, trauma, and identity exploration—all approached with sensitivity to your spiritual journey. Full-time, traditional daytime undergraduate students are eligible for up to 6 free sessions per semester; graduate, evening, and part-time students should contact us for tailored options. Sessions typically last 45-50 minutes, and we aim to accommodate same-day crisis appointments during business hours (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Group Counseling: Join supportive, psycho-educational groups to gain insights, build coping skills, and connect with peers facing similar experiences. Offerings rotate by semester and may include topics like stress management, building healthy relationships, mindfulness in a faith context, or grief support. Groups foster community and spiritual growth in a low-pressure environment. Current schedules are posted on our portal—contact us at counseling_center@pba.edu to inquire about availability or request a group on a specific topic, such as faith and mental health resilience.
Eligibility, Access, and 24/7 Support
- Counseling is available to all PBA students, with expanded access for full-time undergraduates (up to 6 complimentary sessions per semester). Graduate students qualify for 12 free sessions per year through TimelyCare 24/7.
- For immediate help outside business hours: Call Campus Safety at (561) 803-2500 or 911 for emergencies.
- Access free 24/7 telehealth via TimelyCare’s TalkNow at app.timelycare.com or Sailfish Health for medical/mental health support (register with your PBA email).
- National resources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or Palm Beach County Mobile Crisis at (561) 693-8681.
- Our office is located in Oceanview Hall 1-014 (between Oceanview and Baxter Halls). Walk-ins are welcome during open hours (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.), but appointments ensure priority.
Referrals and External Resources
- If longer-term or specialized care is recommended, our team connects you to a vetted network of local providers, including licensed counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists. We prioritize cost-effective options aligned with your insurance (e.g., Aetna, Blue Cross) and financial situation, often within 5-7 miles of campus. Examples include:
- The Pavilion at JFK Medical Center North (2201 45th St., West Palm Beach; Psychiatric Intake: (561) 881-2671)—for acute needs.
- St. Mary’s Institute – Mental Health (901 45th St., West Palm Beach; (561) 840-6040)—comprehensive outpatient care.
- Email counseling_center@pba.edu or call (561) 803-2576 to request a referral list.
Outreach, Education, and Professional Development
- Educational Programming and Consultations: Our staff delivers engaging workshops and presentations on mental health topics for student groups, clubs, residence halls, or classes—customized to your needs, such as “Faith, Stress, and Self-Care” or “Navigating Anxiety in College.” Faculty, staff, and parents are also welcome to consult with us on student well-being concerns, resource recommendations, or spotting signs of distress. These no-cost sessions promote a campus-wide culture of care and spiritual flourishing. To schedule, email us with your group’s size, topic, and preferred date.
- Internship Opportunities: Aspiring counselors in PBA’s Counseling Psychology graduate program can gain hands-on experience through our developmental internships. Participants engage in clinical practice, group facilitation, outreach, and supervised training in a supportive, faith-integrated environment. Placements emphasize ethical growth and real-world application. For eligibility and applications, contact Dr. Rose Vassell, Director (rose_vassell@pba.edu).
We’re more than a resource—we’re partners in your holistic journey at PBA. Questions? Reach our team: Dr. Rose Vassell (Director), Kathleen Lovanice (M.S., University Counselor), or Zeney De La Paz (University Counselor) at counseling_center@pba.edu or (561) 803-2576. Let’s walk this path together.