By Danny Nikander

Assistant News Editor

Hofstra University is among the minority of higher education institutions that require an out-of-pocket fee for personal counseling services. 

At Hofstra, the Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center offers counseling and support for students; however, to receive personal counseling, students are required to pay a fee after three sessions. This charge is not covered by insurance. As college students juggle and prepare their finances for the real world, these fees may discourage them from getting help.

Currently, private colleges like Adelphi University, Molloy College and New York University offer short-term services similar to Hofstra; however, they do not charge fees. Out of 487 colleges surveyed by the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors in 2014, roughly eight percent charge for all personal counseling, and around seven percent charge fees after a certain amount of sessions, like Hofstra. The remaining 92 percent do not charge students for individual counseling services.

In 2015, the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) – a nationwide survey – found that roughly 36 percent of students reported feeling “so depressed that it was difficult to function” at some time in the past year.

At the Saltzman Center, students who seek individual counseling are first given the option of 10 personal counseling sessions. The initial intake – used to collect general information about the patient – and the first three sessions are free of charge. Those who wish to continue their counseling are required to pay a $30 upfront fee for each session thereafter. Students are not required to attend all 10 sessions and additionally have the option to schedule more if need be.

In addition to individual counseling, Student Counseling Services (SCS) offers free group therapy after, or instead of, the 10 individual sessions. They also allow free one-time consultation visits for students to address concerns or get temporary support, as well as crisis counseling for emergencies.

According to John Guthman, the Director of Student Counseling Services, the $30 charges go into university administrative funds and cover fees for services.

“The fee is not intended to be an obstacle. If students are having challenges, they can certainly come in and press those concerns,” Guthman said.

Students at Hofstra question whether these services are effective enough in aiding the mental health of students. Sarah Omodt, a freshman public relations major, said she would utilize counseling services if she felt she needed them; however, the cost of the sessions might deter her.

“I feel like we are already paying so much to go here,” Omodt said. “All of the services on campus should be included, especially something like that. If somebody actually needs help they shouldn’t be paying for that.”

Guthman said the center does try to accommodate students needs. “For students who are struggling with fees, every situation is unique,” he said. “We’ve typically worked that out with the individual students.”

Despite the charges being off-putting to her, Omodt does feel services provided by SCS are a good option to use for students suffering from mental health issues. Daniel Rinaldi, a staff psychologist at the Saltzman Center, had a similar thoughts. 

“This facility is meant for short-term treatment but that doesn’t mean we can’t be flexible,” Rinaldi said. “If you’re in crisis we won’t turn you away because student safety and well-being are our top priorities. If we feel that treatment should continue we will do everything we can to find the student the most appropriate resource locally or at home.”