Counseling & Wellness

^{"Problems do not go away. They must be worked through, or else they remain forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit." —M. Scott Peck, MD}

MECA&D counselors are committed to helping students achieve their personal and academic goals and enhance their self-understanding. They provide students with support and encouragement in a non-judgmental, caring setting, where diversity is respected and celebrated.

Counseling is free and confidential at MECA&D. Office hours are available every weekday. The best way to schedule a counseling appointment is to sign up for an appointment on our calendar. If you have any difficulty signing up, please feel free to email counseling@meca.edu. These emails are directed to Debi Rodgers, Coordinator of Counseling & Wellness, who will reply.

In addition to counseling at the Porteous Building, MECA&D offers students virtual medical and mental health care at no additional costs. Students can register at the Virtual Care Group.

Some reasons students seek counseling:

• Anxiety and stress
• Adjustment problems
• Depression
• Disordered eating
• Grief and loss
• LGBTQIA+ issues
• Relationship problems
• Substance use/misuse

Counseling Services at MECA&D:

• Mental health assessment
• Individual counseling
• Crisis intervention
• Consultation with members of the MECA&D community, family, providers
• Psychoeducation
• Referrals to appropriate resources and local providers

The Spring 2022 Counseling Team consists of the following:

Counseling Interns

In an emergency, you may do any of the following, depending on the nature and severity of your concern:

• If you live on campus, consult a Resident Advisor.
• Call the local crisis line: 774.HELP (207.774.4357).
• Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
• Text HOME to 741741 to reach the National Crisis Textline.
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.8255.
• Call the Southern Maine Sexual Assault Response Info & Hotline: 800.313.9900.
• For LGBTQIA+ support, call Trans Lifeline: 877.565.8860 and/or Trevor Project : 866.488.7386.
• To file a MECA&D Alert about a student of concern, please go to meca.edu/alert to access the link to the form and instructions.

Wellness programming and opportunities are offered intermittently throughout the academic year at MECA&D. Individual wellness appointments may be scheduled by emailing counseling@meca.edu to discuss ways of improving wellness and lifestyle choices and related resources available in the Portland area.

Artwork: Carla Nunez-Hernandez, Detail of Cacibajagua en Cauta, Digital Painting, 18" x 24", 2019.