Princeton University

Princeton's stringent admission policies have the odd effect of filling the campus with people who know how to act like they have it all together . . . which doesn't mean they do. Underneath all those type-A personalities are normal kids with normal problems.

In my four years at Princeton, I saw several of my closest friends go through significant periods of turmoil, stemming from everything from academic stress, relationship difficulties and troubles at home to anorexia, bulimia and other addictive behaviors. Most spent time resting or seeking out counseling at McCosh; some took a year (or more) off. Now that we've all graduated I can say that we came out of it better people, and our willingness to talk about it made us better friends.

If the day comes that you realize (or a friend politely tells you) that you are depressed, or have an eating disorder, or an addiction, or whatever, don't be afraid to sit down for a chat with a counselor, adviser, RCA, chaplain or friend. Counseling and Psychological Services offers individual short-term counseling, group therapy, crisis intervention and referrals for long-term treatment. It also coordinates health services specialty teams for those with eating disorders and alcohol or drug-related problems.

There are also a number of group therapy sessions each semester dealing with a variety of issues and concerns for undergraduate and graduate students. A general list is available online, but interested students should call 8-3285 to ask about the current semester's offerings.

SHARE provides comprehensive services and educational outreach to the campus community. It offers confidential counseling, emergency services, support and information on legal and disciplinary options to students, staff and faculty who have been affected by sexual harassment, sexual assault or harassment based on sexual orientation. SHARE counselors are certified professionals, and its peer educators can be contacted by any student who wishes to speak to someone their age. The SHARE office is located in McCosh Health Center and can be reached at 8-3310.

The Ombuds Office is a place where students can go to talk in confidence with an impartial, independent person about a complaint, conflict or problem with anyone else at the University. The Ombuds officer listens, helps to bring forth an understanding of the problem and possible solutions, looks for information applicable to the situation and coaches and acts as mediator and informal investigator when needed. While keeping strict confidentiality, the Ombuds officer also makes recommendations to the president and the provost on how to maintain a healthy campus climate on issues concerning, but not limited to, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, beliefs and disability. However, the Ombuds Office will not intervene in a student discipline hearing that is already under way. The office may be contacted by phone at 8-1775 or e-mail at ombuds@princeton.edu.

Hours and appointments
For an appointment, call 8-3285; the staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and limited same-day evaluation service is available (for after-hours emergencies, call 8-3139). Many of the introductory counseling services are free for students -- although for continuing therapy, community referrals are usually made. If it comes to that, your family insurance plan or Student Health Plan (SHP) will cover some costs related to outpatient therapy visits. If costs exceed the benefit levels of the insurance or health plan allowance, a limited mental health benefit loan program is available for qualifying students. All visits are strictly confidential.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Princeton strives to create a fair and respectful environment for everyone. Check out "Rights, Rules, Responsibilities" for the University's policies.