Helpful Counseling Links
General College Issues | Alcohol & Other Drugs | General Mental Health
Depression, Bipolar Disorder, & Suicide | Anxiety & Stress
Grief & Loss | Sexual Abuse, Assault, & Rape | Physical/Emotional Abuse
Eating Disorders/Body Image | Other Mental Health Concerns
Health Concerns | GLBT | ADHD & Learning Disabilities
Just For Fun!
General College Issues
College Adjustment
College Adjustment Guides--Having trouble adjusting to college? Here are some self-help books which we recommend to make the transition a little easier.
The Fun Guide to Surviving College--This page provides a roommate survival guide, study tips, information on Greek Life, and even help with how to get extensions from your professors!
Ten Helpful Hints to Beat College Student Homesickness--This guide will give you some ideas for how to cope with the initial transition to college, especially if you find yourself struggling with feelings of homesickness.
Having troubling adjusting to returning home after being away at college? Visit SUNY Oneonta's pages on Home for the Holidays and Homeward Bound.
Academic Issues
Study Tips for Students--This comprehensive page offers help for virtually all aspects of academics, from designing a study schedule to taking notes more effectively to improving both your study habits and your test-taking skills.
College Study Tips for College Students--A great article providing an overview of helpful study strategies.
Study Skills--This page from the Counseling Center at Virginia Tech offers time management strategies, reading and memory tips, note and test-taking skills, guidelines for writing papers, and more.
Overcoming Test Anxiety--Visit this page from the University of Florida Counseling Center for information on preparing yourself for exams, increasing your test-taking confidence, and general test-taking strategies.
How to Approach a Professor for Help--The Counseling Center at the University of Florida has produced this useful page containing specific tips for how to approach your professors.
Other
Resident Assistant.com--A web site providing RAs with links to other RAs, programming, and bulletin board ideas. Includes ideas for emotional and other wellness programs.
Teen Contact--The website for Teen Contact, a Dallas-based telephone hotline, offers information on common issues faced by teens such as college stress, peer pressure, helping friends, and eating disorders. Also includes tips for parents.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
AddictionTribe.com--Free online support for college students dealing with substance abuse issues.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism--Provides answers to frequently asked questions about alcohol use, offers free publications, contains links to related resources, etc. Also includes a special section on College Drinking.
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence--This organization works to fight the stigma of alcoholism, and their site provides facts on alcohol use, educational information, free materials, information on prevention, referrals to local affiliates, etc.
Alcoholics Anonymous--Home page for this national self-help group; AA is based on a 12-step program towards recovery. Includes Q&A, personal stories, information for teens, help for family members and more. Also available in Spanish and French.
Rethinking Drinking--A site from the National Institutes of Health; offers a quiz which compares your drinking levels to those of other US adults.
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)--This site provides information for women and men who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes. The aim is to discover how childhood affected you in the past and influences you in the present; there is a focus on positive action.
Al-Anon and Alateen-- These self-help groups are also based on the 12-step program but are designed for family and friends of alcoholics, including a specialized group for teens.
For information on local Geneseo-area AA, ACOA, Al-Anon/Alateen, and other 12-step meetings, contact the Livingston County Council for Alcoholism and Substance Abuse at 585-346-3050.
General Mental Health
Active Minds-- Active Minds on Campus is a student-run mental health awareness, education, and advocacy organization designed for the college campus. The group’s mission is to utilize peer outreach to increase awareness, provide information, encourage help-seeking, and serve as a liaison. Geneseo recently formed a chapter--join their Facebook page.
Ulifeline.org--This
is an all-purpose resource for college mental health; includes information on suicide prevention, helping a friend, and more.
National Institute of Mental Health--This government resource provides public education materials on depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues.
National Mental Health Information Center--A site that provides information about mental health and more than 200 publications. Also offers a toll-free telephone number, 1-800-789-2647.
The Counseling Center Village--This is an online directory of college and university home pages on the internet; it's great for locating counseling resources for a friend at another college. The site also includes the Student Counseling Virtual Pamphlet Collection, a list of pamphlets developed specifically for college students on a wide variety of mental health topics such as anger, anxiety, assertiveness, depression, disabilities, family and childhood issues, grief, medication, relationships, sexual orientation, study skills, and more.
Medications--Are you wondering if an antidepressant medication would be helpful to you? Has you doctor prescribed a medication for anxiety which you'd like to hear more about? Check out this page for information on dosages, side effects, and more.
Mental Illness in the Family--This pages from the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) provides guidelines for coping with a mentally ill family member.
If you want more information on general mental health sites, try Grohol's Top Rated Resources. Dr. John Grohol is a psychologist who maintains a list of some of the best mental health resources on the web; you can view top rated sites or search for a specific topic.
Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Suicide
Depression and Bipolar Disorder
DepressionTribe.com--Free online support for college students dealing with depression and other mood disorders.
College Student & Depression Fact Sheets--From the National Mental Health Association's "Campaign for America's Mental Health" program, they have put together an excellent series of fact sheets on depression and college students; includes issues such as adjustment, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and suicide.
All About Depression--This site was created by a clinical psychologist, and it contains good information on causes, diagnosis, and treatment (including helping a friend or relative); also features a "special topics" section.
Depression on About.com--Contains information on a variety of issues related to depression--ie, including grief, drug/alcohol use, female/male issues--and address various types of depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Bipolar Disorder (aka Manic Depression). Plus, it is also a news site which deals with current issues related to coping with depression.
Dr. David Burns' Feeling Good Site--Dr. Burns is a nationally renowned psychiatrist, and he has created a web site based on his popular self-help book Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy.
Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology--This site, by renowned psychologist Dr. Martin Seligman, focuses on the use of optimism and positive thinking to combat depression and other negative states. Includes questionnaires on various topics such as Satisfaction with Life, Gratitude, and Optimism.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance--DBSA is the largest patient-directed, illness-specific organization. Their web site contains information on mood disorders, a confidential screening for bipolar disorder, and available resources, including support groups. Visit also the web site of the Rochester and Canandaigua Chapter for local group information.
Suicide
Ulifeline--This is a comprehensive behavioral support web site which was designed specifically for young adults and which focuses on suicide prevention. Includes additional resources such as self-assessments and information on how to help a friend.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline--This network sponsors various suicide prevention activities as well as a national hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)--This informative site includes a question and answer section, a list of warning sides of suicide, book lists, and guidelines for coping with a suicide.
Suicide Crisis Center--Various suicide resources, including lists of suicide hotlines by state (national hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE), tips for what to do if you're feeling suicidal, and links to Suicidal.com for more information.
Suicide Survivor Resources--This list of resources is provided by the American Association of Suicidology, an organization with the goal of understanding and preventing suicide.
Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety
AnxietyTribe.com--Free online support for college students dealing with anxiety issues.
OCDTribe.com--Free online support for college students dealing with obsessive compulsive disorder.
Anxiety Disorders --This site from the Federal Citizen Information Center provides a nice overview of the various types of anxiety disorders and contains basic suggestions for how to seek help.
The Obsessive Compulsive Foundation--This site provides educational and treatment information about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, an anxiety disorder which is being diagnosed in young adults with increasing frequency.
The International OCD Foundation Hoarding Center--These pages focus on hoarding, a disorder that has recently received increased media coverage. Reviews types of hoarding, offers basic tests for hoarding, and provides an overview of treatment options.
National Center for PTSD--This site offers information about Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, including facts, research, and treatment. Also includes a FAQ section.
The Anxiety Panic Internet Resource--This site contains a nice review of panic symptoms plus special features on tips for coping with a panic attack as well as a list of the web's best anxiety links.
Stress
Hot Topics!--Get the basics on stress from our Health Promotion pages.
Stress Management for College Students--This is a list of links to stress resources on other college web sites; includes an amusing, tongue-in-cheek handout on How to Stay Stressed.
Audio Relaxation Exercises--Sit at your computer and relax! Hobart and William Smith Colleges offer two relaxation exercises; you can use them directly from the site or download as MP3 files to use anywhere.
Yoga for Stress Relief--The Ladies' Home Journal web site offers 10 simple yoga stretches which can be performed by anyone to aid in stress reduction. The site also includes a slideshow for Stretches While You Watch TV.
Grief and Loss
Coping with Death and Dying--This online pamphlet produced by SUNY Buffalo specifically targets college students and the common reactions which they may experience when someone they care about dies.
National Students of Ailing Mothers and Fathers Support Network--This site offers various grief support services, including information on common feelings. There is also a specific page on "How to cope with an illness or death during college." (problem with link as of 10/08)
GriefNet.org--GriefNet is an internet community of persons dealing with grief, death, and major loss. Their two sites, which include 37 e-mail support groups, take an integrated approach to online grief support as a means to help people working through loss and grief issues of all kinds.
Sexual Abuse, Assault, and Rape
Sexual Assault - Focus on Education (S.A.F.E.)--This section of our web site offers information, education, referrals, and resources for all types of sexual violence on the SUNY Geneseo campus.
What To Do If You're Sexually Assaulted--This is an excellent resource page from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
RAINN--The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network operates America's only national hotline for victims of sexual assault (1.800.656.HOPE) which is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The RAINN web site include an anonymous Online Hotline as well; this works like an instant messaging system to provide crisis intervention and other services.
Sexual Assault Care Centre--This comprehensive Canadian page offers help with many of the difficult questions which arise from a sexual assault, including "why me?", "what if I'm pregnant?", "what now?", and how to help a friend. Also contains sections on sexual assault of men and frequently asked questions.
The Aurora Center for Advocacy and Education--This University of Minnesota page is designed for victims/survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. Their prevention and education page includes tips on risk reduction as well as provides sexual violence prevention education and risk reduction tips.
Men Can Stop Rape--This organization was founded to empower male youth with the goal of teaching men to be strong without being violent. It includes both men and women working together to support young men in challenging today's "rape culture."
Physical/Emotional Abuse
Symptoms of Emotional Abuse--This site reviews symptoms of emotional abuse for both female and male victims. Also contains a valuable resource page which includes many useful links.
23 Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship--Two doctors, a MD and a Ph.D., answer questions and answers about various topics, including how to recognize potential "red flags" that a partner may be abusive. Also offers information on abusive friendships and similar issues.
Stalking Victims Sanctuary--This extremely well-organized site is divided into sections such as "Survival" and "De-Stress Zone." Contains a wealth of information, addressing topics such as how to regain control and avoiding common mistakes that victims make. A downloadable brochure for victims is also available.
Eating Disorders/Body Image
Hot Topics!--Get the basics on Eating Well & Exercising in College from our Health Promotion pages.
National Eating Disorders Association --The site provides general information about eating disorders as well as specific tips for helping a friend. The "Listen to Your Body" section includes advice specific to girls & women, boys & men, parents, friends, students, and others; a wealth of additional information can be found under the "Eating Disorders Info" section.
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders--On this site, you'll find suggestions on how to confront someone with an eating disorder, guidelines for accessing insurance for treatment, and lists of eating disorder hotline numbers.
Dying to be Thin--This NOVA presentation, which originally aired in December 2000, is now available to be viewed online. Eight chapters take you through issues such as cultural pressures, the ballet world, and the road to recovery. Similar videos review cultural pressures to be thin, treatment of eating disorders, and the recovery process.
Eating Disorders and College Students--This brief article offers some warning signs of anorexia in college students as well as links to quizzes on "Do I Respect My Body?" and "Do You Have a Healthy Relationship with Food?"
Other Mental Health Issues
Anger
Controlling Anger Before It Controls You--This is a public information page put out by the American Psychological Association; it includes strategies for coping with your anger and guidelines for making a decision about treatment.
Gambling/Online Addiction
Gambling--This page from the Texas State University Counseling Center reviews reasons why college students gamble, offers tips on how to recognize gambling problems in others, and includes a compulsive gambling questionnaire.
Center for Internet Addiction Recovery--This site is a resource for those who may have an internet addiction. Includes a section on Tests for Internet Addiction which offers self-quizzes for internet addiction, online gambling, cyberporn, and more.
Self-Injurious Behavior (AKA Cutting)
S.A.F.E. Alternatives--Do you feel like you walk around every day with an embarrassing secret too painful to discuss with anyone? As part of S.A.F.E. (Self-Abuse Finally Ends), this site shows that there is a different path available. Also has a toll-free number, 1-800-DONT-CUT (366-8288).
Secret Shame--Another excellent resource for information on self-injury, this site helps self-injurers understand that they are not alone. It includes quotes from self-injurers, information on why people self-injure, and guidelines for family and friends of self-injurers.
Sleep
Hot Topics!--Get the basics on College Students & Sleep from our Health Promotion pages.
How to Get a Good Night's Sleep--University Counseling Services at Kansas State University has put together an excellent page with tips for getting a good night's sleep, including a fun, interactive "counting sheep" graphic.
Do You Have a Sleep Disorder?--Take this quiz, offered by the Pacific Sleep Medicine Services site, to learn more.
Lucid Dreaming FAQ--Lucid dreaming means being aware that you are dreaming. It can have many benefits, including improving creativity and problem-solving skills. This site will answer all of your basic questions; also check out this Dream Views site for more detailed information on how to develop the ability to have lucid dreams.
Miscellaneous
Shades of Grey--This is a site designed to enable those diagnosed with and effected by Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) to embrace this mental illness and to thrive in shades of grey. The site encourages building awareness, reducing stigma, prioritizing education and treatment, and developing a community to advocate reform.
TLC--The Trichotillomania Learning Center, Inc. is a national, nonprofit organization devoted to advancing understanding of trichotillomania (TTM) or compulsive hair-pulling. It is estimated that between 6 and 8 million people in the US have this disorder.
Health Concerns
Information on physical-health related links can be found on the Health Services Helpful Health Links page; additional links on other college student Hot Topics! can be found in the Health Promotion section of our web site.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender
Safe Zone--The Geneseo Safe Zone program attempts to increase awareness and acceptance of sexual diversity while providing a resource network for individuals with questions or concerns related to sexuality.
Pride Alliance (formerly GLBF)--The Pride Alliance is an SA funded organization at SUNY Geneseo, and their main purpose is the promotion of education and community both within the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community as well as the straight. The group holds weekly meetings as well as various other events on campus.
Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley--GAGV is a non-profit agency dedicated to the eradication of heterosexism and homophobia and the empowerment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people; check our their links page for other valuable local and national resources.
Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays--PFLAG is an excellent site for supporters of lesbian, gay, and transgender individuals; it includes information on support, education, and advocacy.
Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere--Designed for both young and old children of a lesbian or gay parent/parents, COLAGE provides both information and volunteer opportunities.
Gender Talk--A web radio site providing extensive transgender resources, including specific guidelines for male-to-female transitions (includes a transition timetable) and female-to-male transitions. Also offers information on transgender health care issues.
Lambda.org--This page includes information on abusive relationships in the gay community.
ADHD and Learning Disabilities
CHADD--This Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder home page offers a wealth of resources, including a section on Myths and Misunderstandings.
Taking Your ADD to College--This is a helpful essay for prospective college students; written by a psychiatrist in Maryland.
Adult ADD/ADHD Quiz--This is a simple test which explores ADD in adults. Although it cannot diagnosis the disorder, it is useful as a screening told in deciding whether to seek further treatment.
LdPride--Inspired by Deaf Pride, this site is an interactive community resource for adults with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder. The site includes information about LD/ADD and a review of learning styles. A free text reader, "Help Read," is available for download; this program reads web pages and other text files out loud.
LD Online--An attractive, interactive guide to learning disabilities. The information is designed mostly with younger students in mind, but it does include a section on College and College Prep.
Just For Fun!
Mental health can be fun, too! Below are some sites for pure entertainment--while we don't endorse the tests and questionnaires as true psychological measures, they're fun to try. :-)
Dr. Katz--Go here for a daily Dr. Katz strip and a daily laugh!
Consciousness Exercises--This site contains some simple, thought-provoking exercises designed to "improve your awareness and intelligence."
Please note that all of the above websites are educational in nature; they provide information on a variety of topics related to psychology and personal growth. The Counseling Services Links Page does not include links to any sites which provide on-line counseling or psychotherapy. Individuals who are interested in such services should consider the following cautions:
- Confidentiality of on-line communications cannot be guaranteed;
- On-line counseling is unlikely to be effective in addressing issues which are not fairly simple or are relational in nature;
- The training and credentials of on-line counselors/therapists may not meet standards set for New York State licensed practitioners;
- In the case of emergencies, on-line counselors/therapists may not be able to adequately help maintain your safety;
- The costs for on-line services vary;
- Sites, and the services they provide, may shut down with little or no advance notice.
Finally, please note that most of the above links all connect to sites that are not under the control of the Health & Counseling Department. While we believe that these sites offer useful information, we are unable to guarantee the information that you receive by following these links. However, all links were verified to be working as of July 2006; if you encounter a broken link, please contact our webmaster.