Skip Repetitive Navigation Links

Counseling Center​

The RIC Counseling Center cares about the mental and physical well-being of our students and College community. As such, we have implemented the following changes. Please note that as this situation continues to evolve, our policies may be updated to reflect necessary changes.

  • To schedule an appointment, leave a voicemail at our main telephone number 401-456-8094 the Counseling Center.
  • Until further notice, face-to-face appointments will not take place but will occur through phone or video platform. Information will be sent once appointment is confirmed.
  • Our staff remains available over the phone during our business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Any time of day or night you can call the RIC HOPE Line, and speak with a licensed clinician 401-456-HOPE (4673)
  • If you have a question about an appointment with us, or our services please call our main telephone number: 401-456-8094, and leave a voicemail, including your name, phone number and best times to reach you. Someone will be in touch shortly during our business hours

Arranging an appointment:

Please call our main telephone number: 401-456-8094, and leave a voice mail, including your name, phone number and best times to reach you. Someone will be in touch shortly during our business hours.

If you need Emergency Support, please dial 911.

Counseling Center Groups - Spring 2021

The Counseling Center at RIC will be forming these groups in the spring semester! Click the group description for more information!

The Applied Mindfulness Group will focus on actively exploring the concept of mindfulness, and how it intertwines with our lives. In doing so we will discuss what mindfulness is, how mindlessness affects our lives, and how we can practice new ways of utilizing mindfulness to fulfill our unique needs. Groups will typically start by discussing a specific aspect of mindfulness, followed by a discussion of how that aspect of mindfulness is relevant to members of the group, and end with an experiential mindfulness practice intended to provided group members with new ways to apply mindfulness in their daily lives. The goal of the group is for individuals to leave with a more complete understanding of what mindfulness is, and how to effectively apply it in ways that match the unique needs of each individual.

-What days are possible? - Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Is this a Drop-in group? - Yes, this is a drop- in group. Members will only need to sign a sheet acknowledging their understanding of the group’s rules before entering.

Is this open or closed group? - This group is open to new members

Can Participants be in Individual therapy as well? - Yes, participants can currently be in individual therapy as well.

A virtual support group for students of color to talk about their feelings and current issues that are impacting their mental wellness and academics. This virtual space is for students of color to express themselves and connect with other students of color in a therapeutic/brave space.

Open Group, Offered Tuesday and Thursday 11:00 – 12:00 Via zoom (note: this group is offered though the Counseling Psychology Program). You can contact the counseling center or email lmonteiro@ric.edu to be connected with more information.

RIC students who identify as bisexual, gay, gender-fluid, lesbian, non-binary, pansexual, polyamorous, queer, questioning, transgender, and/or as any other diverse gender and/or sexual identity: looking for an intentionally empowering, and safe space to explore the intersectionality of diverse sexual and/or gender identities with other important personal identities, tell your story, offer support, and gain perspective? This is an intentional space for that endeavor. Group facilitator(s) identify as members of this community.

What days are possible? - Day and time of group meetings TBD to best accommodate everyone’s availability.

Is this a Drop-in group? - This is not a drop-in group and will meet for the duration of the semester with consistent members.

Is this open or closed group? - Once a critical number of group members accumulate to start the group, the group will begin and will be closed to new members until next semester.

Can Participants be in Individual therapy as well? - Although this can be decided on a case-by-case basis, for the richest group experience, it is recommended that group members engage only in (or primarily in) the group during its run.

Loss is a shared human experience, but the way that we grieve as a reaction to this loss can look different from person to person.  In this group, we’ll explore the various emotions (not limited to just sadness—anger, regret, guilt, numbness, and relief are other examples) that are experienced during the adjustment to life after loss.  Through guided discussions, members of the group will be encouraged to look at how to create meaning from their loss, to acknowledge and foster their resilience, and to integrate self-compassion into their daily lives.

Possible Group times: Monday-Thursday

Once formed, this will be a closed group, with no-drop ins

Participants can also be individual therapy

The purpose of this group is to provide education to Rhode Island College students on the importance of forming healthy interpersonal relationships with peers. This group is intended to be psychoeducational and informative, along with allowing space for college students to express interpersonal problems they are enduring in their daily life to other group members for support. The educational skills that are planned to be taught include identifying the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship, skills to build healthy relationships with others, and resolving relationships that the individual wishes to repair. This group will also include a discussion portion where group members can process with each other about why seeking healthy relationships is important, as well as any challenges the group member is experiencing in forming relationships with others. This group is not limited to relationships with peers and can include relationships with family members, romantic partners, academic relationships, and any other relationship the group member finds meaningful.

What days are possible? Monday or Friday

Is this a drop in group? Yes, this is a drop-in group. Group members would need to consent to the group rules regarding confidentiality, safety, and trust.

Is this an open group? It is an open group where new members are encouraged to join.

Can participants be in individual therapy as well? Yes, participants can be involved in individual therapy.

In today’s society, men are often told that they must be the “tough guy.”. Messages like “men don’t cry” or “suck it up” can cause men to keep their emotions inside and understandably struggle to share their feelings later in life. Sharing your internal battles can be a daunting experience, especially if you’ve been told by others that the feelings you're having aren’t a big deal, especially because you’re a man. Pushing on in silence can feel isolating and might make you feel like you’re the only one facing what you’re facing. However, there are certainly others (even on campus!) who feel similar to you. Being vulnerable and showing your true emotions to others, particularly men, can be a challenging undertaking, but with the help of a group of men who share their real-life experiences with one another this process can be started. In this group we will share our experiences of being a man in this world and the challenges that we might face on a daily basis.

What days are possible? Thursdays and Fridays

Is this a Drop-in group? No

Is this open or closed group? Open

Can Participants be in Individual therapy as well? Yes

Going off to college requires an immense amount of work but participating in athletics on top of that can be exhausting. This increased stress and lack of free time and can be overwhelming. The good news is that there are many other students and even teammates like you who are facing this. Coming together in a group to discuss these difficulties can be extremely helpful and support you with feeling less alone in this. Now, in the time of a pandemic when all sports have been put on hold, what is it like not being able to play your sport;, possibly for the first time in your life? How are you facing this? What are you doing to fill this time? You might be feeling like a huge part of your identity has disappeared over night. What is this like? Does it feel like you are the only one facing this? Coming together in a group to talk about these massive changes with other athletes facing quite similar situations might be for you then.

What days are possible? Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Is this a Drop-in group? No

Is this open or closed group? Open

Can Participants be in Individual therapy as well? Yes

RIC HOPE Line

Do you feel distressed? Do you wish to speak with someone? Please call the 24/7 Rhode Island College HOPE line: 401-456-HOPE (4673). The HOPE line is in addition to the counseling center and has been established to provide continuous support to our campus community. Please note that if you are in need of immediate support, please dial 911 and proceed to your local emergency room.

Confidentiality

There is nothing wrong with coming for counseling. In fact, we regard it as a sign of strength and often courage. Yet people sometimes hesitate because of concerns about privacy. To allay these concerns, the Counseling Center maintains a strict policy of confidentiality, in accord with the ethical rules of the American Psychological Association.

Page last updated: December 13, 2020