We're Here to Help
We understand that, as a college student in today's world, life can become challenging for a variety of reasons. We're here for you, with trusted and empathetic counselors, therapeutic services to fit your needs and a mind/body/spirit approach to wellbeing.
We strive to help students achieve contentment, happiness and flourishment. Our goal is to provide services and resources that will enable the student to live a meaningful life based on a mind/body/spirit approach to wellbeing, an approach that honors the person's fundamental dignity of the human person by valuing him/her in his/her totality.
Services Provided
Free, confidential consultation is available to all enrolled Duquesne students
Services through the University Counseling Services are private, confidential and free. We are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Our stepped care model is a holistic menu of services that aims that connect students to the most effective, yet least intensive option first.
Short-term therapy is provided for a variety of reasons, like adjusting to college life, personal and/or emotional distress, homesickness, test anxiety, sleep disturbances and more. Students in need of more frequent, long-term psychotherapy will work with our case manager to find resources to meet his/her needs.
Our work also includes providing outreach on-campus, trainings, workshops, and consultation for faculty or staff members who may have student concerns.
If you are a Duquesne faculty, staff member, parent/family, friend or student with a concern for a student, please know our office offers consultation on how to assist with student concerns. You may call our office at any time and request to speak to a staff member. In an emergency, please utilize 9-1-1, Duquesne Public Safety at (412) 396-2677 or ReSolve Crisis Services at 1-888-796-8226.
Short-term therapy is provided for a variety of reasons, like adjusting to college life, personal and/or emotional distress, anxiety, depression, social difficulties, sleep disturbances and more. Students are encouraged to reach out to us to get connected for an initial appointment, if they believe they are struggling. Students in need of more frequent, long-term psychotherapy will work with our case manager to find resources to meet his/her needs.
How can I make an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, call us at (412) 396-6204 or come by our office (3rd FL Gumberg Library) during regular business hours. At this time, we are not able to schedule appointments online or via email.
Upon calling, our triage staff will ask you several brief, confidential questions prior to scheduling. If presenting in person, these questions will be given as a brief form to complete.
(If you are a student in crisis looking to speak with someone, please follow the steps under "Crisis Support" or refer to the question regarding emergency/crisis response in our FAQ at the bottom of this page).
Groups and Seminars
We frequently offer several support groups that are tailored to specific student concerns including, but not limited to — new students, marginalized identities, anxiety, etc.
In addition to support groups, we offer skills-based seminars where students can learn coping skills to overcome various challenges. Previous seminar offerings have included Study Skills, Relationship-Building, Stress Management, and more.
To see an updated list of the groups and seminars we have to offer, and how to begin attending one, visit the .
Outreach and Workshops
51°µÍø Counseling Services offers Wellbeing Educational Workshops to Duquesne staff, faculty and student organization groups throughout the year.
Our outreach workshops/presentations are free for any student group interested in having a presentation to their group, club or organization.
How can I request Counseling Services to speak to my class or event?
To request an outreach presentation, and discuss a counseling staff member visiting your classroom or organization event, email%20us and you will be directed to our Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Sara Kyles-Royster.
It is best to make outreach requests as early as possible, so we can do our best to accommodate for your needs!
For non-Duquesne affiliated outreach questions and networking, please email us and we will direct you accordingly.
The Meditation Studio is available for all Duquesne students, faculty and staff
Location, accessibility and hours of operation
A meditation studio is available on the 2nd floor of the Student Union in room 215C for all students, faculty, and staff of all faith traditions and meditative practices.
The studio is available to anyone with a Duquesne ID, and accessible Sunday-Saturday 6am to 9pm. Anyone in the Duquesne community may utilize the room at any time, and prior permission from our office is not needed. All we ask is that you follow the "Rules of Use" posted outside of the studio. (Please note, that hours may vary depending on university or Student Union closure)
Materials available for meditation and prayer
Freedom and space to practice one's religion or non-religious meditations is a top priority here at 51°µÍø. That is why the Meditation Studio was founded as part of the Counseling Services, existing as an interfaith meditative space and silent prayer room. The room was designed as a place where people from any religious tradition or no religious tradition could go to engage in their meditative and contemplative practices.
There are meditation cushions and kneelers available to help support a proper meditation posture. Fold out the legs from beneath the kneelers to use them for kneeling or use a circular, smiley, or box-shaped cushion for support of cross-legged postures.
Interested in reserving the Meditation Studio?
Duquesne faculty, staff and student organization leaders can reserve the Meditation Studio for classes, presentations, workshops, and events if desired. To do so, please call us at (412) 396-6204 or email%20us.
For any questions, please call (412) 396-6204. We hope to share this space with you soon.
I'm a faculty/staff member concerned for a student, what should I do?
Different types of student concerns may require different responses or levels of intervention. For a more detailed guide, read through our Guides for Faculty and Staff.
If you are a faculty or staff member in need of consultation about a student, you may call our office at any time and request to speak to a counselor. In an emergency, please utilize 9-1-1, Duquesne Public Safety at (412) 396-2677 or ReSolve Crisis Services at 1-888-796-8226.
How can I refer a student to Counseling Services?
For students needing a less formal referral process and a hands-off approach, Duquesne faculty or staff can simply encourage students to reach out to us on their own by phone, email, or in-person. No referral process or form is needed to simply inform students of who we are, what we do, and how to connect with us.
Some students however, may likely benefit from a more involved, strategic approach to their referral. Our guides for faculty and staff provide insight on topics such as Identifying Warning Signs, Making Thorough Referrals, helpful tips on Showing Support to struggling students, and more.
Referral Form
Duquesne faculty or staff members looking to get students connected with counseling services are encouraged to submit a .
Referring parties are encouraged to complete this form even in the event that they are seeking additional consultation from Counseling Center staff, if able. This form is not to be used if a situation requires immediate or urgent response.
Help As Soon As You Need It
If you are experiencing distress and in need of crisis support, you may call our office (412.396.6204) during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and request to speak with one of our triage staff who will guide you to the appropriate option. If you are unable to reach us, or it is after hours, please utilize one of the following crisis support options below:
Crisis support is available 24/7 at no-cost by calling the ReSolve Crisis Network at 1-888-796-8226. You can also contact the 51°µÍø police emergency number, (412) 396-2677 (COPS).
Other Crisis Resources:
- is the Allegheny County crisis agency staffed with professional mental health clinicians 24/7. Call them at (888) 796-8226, or visit their facility at 333 North Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208.
- provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7. Call or text 988.
- is a free and confidential text message service for people in crisis 24/7. Text HOME to 741741 to be connected.
- is a free, confidential and 24/7 service for anyone impacted by sexual assault, sexual violence, sexual abuse, rape, and sexual exploitation/ sex trafficking. Call 1-866-END-RAPE (1-866-363-7273)
- has created ​a special keyword, STEVE, that young people of color can text to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7. ​
- connects trans people to the community support and resources they need to survive and thrive, run by trans people for trans people. Call (877) 565-8860.
- is a free, 24/7 crisis line staffed with counselors who understand the challenges of LGBTQIA+ people.
- Veterans Crisis Hotline can be accessed by dialing (800) 273-8255, and then pressing 1.
In case of immediate, life-threatening emergencies: Immediately call 911 or proceed to the closest hospital emergency room.
Case managers can assist students in: Finding long-term psychotherapy in the community, finding specialized supports such as ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment, specialty clinics, psychiatry and medication management services, help connecting with supporting offices on-campus, etc.
Students can connect with someone who can provide case management by calling (412) 396-6204 or email%20us. We will do our best to help connect you to whatever you may need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information covered here is not to be considered a replacement for consultation with a mental health professional. If you are in need of formal consultation, please call us at 412-396-6204.
If you are experiencing a non-life threatening mental health crisis, during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm) you can call Counseling Services at 412-396-6204 to speak with a counselor.
After business hours, or in the event you cannot reach Counseling Services, please utilize ReSolve Crisis Services at 1-888-796-8226 or call Duquesne Public Safety at 412-396-2677.
To schedule an appointment, call us at (412) 396-6204 or come by our office (3rd FL Gumberg Library) during regular business hours.
Upon calling, our triage staff will ask you several brief, confidential questions
prior to scheduling. If presenting in person, these questions will be given as a brief
form to complete.
At this time, we are not able to schedule appointments online or via email.
All records and appointments at UCS are 100% confidential, as our staff abides by HIPAA regulations. Exceptions to confidentiality are as follows:
- When a student is a danger to self or others.
- When child abuse is reported or suspected.
- When abuse to the elderly or the disabled is reported or suspected.
- When we are court-ordered to release records (subpoena)
At all other times, a student must provide a written release before information can be shared with any other party.
*Future treatment recommendations may include: Therapeutic resources, individual therapy, group therapy, psychoeducation, connections to peer support, or referrals for community support as applicable.
We cannot provide documentation to support a reduction in academic course load, academic accommodations, withdrawal from classes, grade adjustments or medical single/housing adjustments to new clients. If you require such documentation, you are advised to obtain letters of support from mental health professionals or medical providers who have been involved directly in your mental health care for the relevant time period. We may be able provide documentation regarding your mental health only when you have been receiving on-going treatment at UCS during the relevant time period.
We do not provide documentation for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs).
We can be reached at 412-396-6204 or counselingservices@duq.edu. (Please note: Email should not be used for students seeking crisis/immediate support, sharing information that could be considered private or confidential, formal consultation about a mental health-related issue, etc.)