Counseling & Health Services
Mental and emotional well-being affect every aspect of your life, including relationships with other people, academic performance and self-esteem. At La Roche University, you don’t have to feel alone. The Office of Counseling & Health Services offers free counseling and resources to all students.
Our mission is to aid in the emotional, social and psychological development of our students. We support mental health and wellness to ensure students can reach their personal and academic goals. The Office of Counseling and Health Services is an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes individual growth for all students at La Roche to empower them to become lifelong learners.
Whether you experience difficulty at home or in school, we’ll help you cope mentally and physically. Private, confidential sessions with a counselor are available, as well as on-campus workshops and support groups. Private sessions are usually 30 to 60 minutes in length.
When should you seek help?
There is never a problem too big or too small for you to seek services. You can come to us for anything, even if you just want to vent or talk about life. Common reasons students seek help include:
- Relationship conflicts
- Homesickness
- Addiction
- Depression
- Self-esteem enhancement
- Dealing with poor academic performance
- Eating disorders
- Divorce
- Dysfunctional families
- Codependency
- Trauma recovery
- Wellness and quality of life
Scope of Practice
At La Roche University treatment from Counseling and Health Services varies according to each students’ goals and treatment plan, as agreed to by the provider and the student.
Practitioners work to provide evidence-based treatment using best clinical practices to facilitate adjustment and functioning, successful academic performance and symptom relief as soon as possible. Referral to services in the community can be arranged for long-term or intensive treatment plans, needs that are beyond the scope of our practice or for students leaving the campus community.
Services are available to students who are within the scope of practice and are currently enrolled at La Roche for at least one credit. Students who graduate are eligible for drop-in services or follow-up services on a limited basis to help facilitate continuity of care, and transfer of care to a community provider.
We provide short-term, goal-focused therapy. If you regularly receive counseling in your home community, our recommendation is that you continue services with that provider. Specialized or intensive clinical services that require more than our short-term, goal-focused therapy is outside our scope services. Should you desire such services, we recommend receiving care from a mental health specialist in the Greater Pittsburgh community.
We assist students who are experiencing concerns and needs that are interfering with their ability to be successful in school and/or with their individual personal growth, functioning and adjustment. Our objective is to facilitate adaptation, adjustment and resilient functioning in order to enable the student to continue enrollment in college and to pursue academic, career and personal success with minimal disruption or delay.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’re here for you. Make an appointment online or stop by our offices in Bold Hall II.
Our Staff
Help is down the hall. To set up an appointment via text or email, use this link.
Ryan Klingensmith, MA, LPC, NCC
Director, Counseling & Health Services
Bold Hall II 261
Ryan.Klingensmith@laroche.edu | 412-847-2506
Amy Elliott, MS, NCC
Counselor
Bold Hall II 259
Amy.Elliott@laroche.edu | 412-536-1051