Be well
Berkeley College values its students and is committed to providing resources and support for the “whole student.” Our counseling services exist to collaborate with faculty and staff to maintain student wellness and facilitate student success. With a holistic approach, we help each student achieve a healthy balance in his or her many life roles, assisting in the successful transition into college and all the way to graduation. Counseling services are offered at all on-site and online campuses. Call or stop by to schedule an appointment.
Professional counselors are available to help students deal with a range of social, emotional, or academic issues and concerns on a short-term basis. Counseling may be provided individually or within a group. When appropriate, students may be referred for outside treatment. If you are in need of support, we encourage you to visit our office. If you are concerned about another student, walk him or her to your campus Counseling Office to meet with a counselor. Do not leave him or her alone.
Wellness Programs
Check out your campus calendar of events for our wellness programs. Programs include:
- REAL Talk (honest talk about difficult topics)
- Wellness Fairs (massage therapist, aromatherapy, Ask the Sexpert, substance use information, healthy eating)
- The Clothesline Project (a visual display of T-shirts that bears witness to violence against women)
- The Hope Quilt for victims of violence
Services for Students
Supportive counseling services are available to help students:
- Clarify goals
- Learn to make effective life choices
- Overcome problems
- Achieve more satisfying relationships
- Improve academic performance
At no additional cost, students can meet with trained counselors in a safe and confidential environment. No record of counseling is maintained in students’ academic files.
Reasons Students Seek Counseling
Students seek out Counseling Services for a variety of reasons. The most common include:
- Adjustment concerns
- Anxiety (excess worry or panic)
- Career uncertainty or exploration
- Cultural differences and adjustment
- Crisis or emergency situations
- Depression, loneliness, or sadness
- Eating disorders
- Family difficulties
- Grief and loss
- LGBTQ+ issues
- Managing conflict or anger
- Sexual harassment or assault
- Relationship conflicts
- Substance abuse (drugs, alcohol, smoking)
- Stress
- Violence (physical, sexual, verbal)
- Accessibility support
Confidentiality
All interactions with Counseling Services are confidential. No record of counseling is contained in any academic or job placement file. You may request in writing that the counseling staff release specific information to a third party.
EXCEPTIONS TO CONFIDENTIALITY
- A counselor may consult with other Student Development counselors to provide the best possible care. These consultations are for professional and training purposes.
- A counselor believes that the individual may harm himself/herself, another person, or school property; break the law; or violate Berkeley College policies.
- A counselor suspects that a person under the age of 18 or an elder is being abused.
Contact Information
New York City
Sandra Coppola, Senior Director, Personal Counseling
973-826-5598
Sandra-Coppola@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Newark
Sandra Coppola, Senior Director, Personal Counseling
973-826-5598
Sandra-Coppola@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Online
Santa Rock, Personal Counselor
973-826-9085
Santa-Rock@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Woodbridge
Sandra Coppola, Senior Director, Personal Counseling
973-826-5598
Sandra-Coppola@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Woodland Park
Sandra Coppola, Senior Director, Personal Counseling
973-826-5598
Sandra-Coppola@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Sheri Burkat, Personal Counselor
973-826-5589
Sheri-Burkat@BerkeleyCollege.edu
EMERGENCY RESOURCES AVAILABLE 24/7
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, having thoughts of death or suicide, or is otherwise in a crisis situation, contact one of the following emergency resources:
Call 9-1-1 immediately or go to your local emergency room
NJ Hopeline Suicide Prevention Hotline (NJ)
1-855-654-6735
www.njhopeline.com
The Samaritan’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (NY)
1-212-673-3000
https://samaritansnyc.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (National)
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
