Center for Wellness Policies & Procedures

Counseling Services ensures the confidentiality of every student session. In order to comply with Massachusetts privacy laws, information disclosed during a session may only be released to another individual with the written consent of the student. Parents and family members are encouraged to speak directly with their adult child about any issues of concern. Parents, faculty, or staff members who are concerned about a student are encouraged to contact the Center for Wellness directly. Counselors are able to reach out to students of concern. These referrals can be made in a confidential manner if preferred. Please note that releases of confidential information are different from the FERPA  release through the Student Service Center.

However, there are some circumstances under which, according to Massachusetts State Laws, confidentiality cannot be maintained. Such circumstances include the following:

• If a counselor reasonably believes a student poses imminent physical or psychological danger to themselves or others, if necessary, the counselor may need to have the student transported to a hospital for psychiatric care.
• The counselor is considered a “mandated reporter” under the law and must notify appropriate government agencies if the counselor reasonably believes that a child, a disabled person or an elderly person is suffering injury as a result of abuse or neglect.
• If ordered to release information by a court of law.

Eligibility

All services at The Center for Wellness are available without additional charge to all registered students.