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Information for Newly Admitted Loyola Students

Congratulations on your admission to Loyola University Maryland! The staff of the Counseling Center would like to be among the first to welcome you to our community.  As a future Greyhound, we hope that you will find Loyola to be an inspiring, welcoming, and diverse environment that offers innumerable opportunities for personal and academic growth, including through our Counseling Center.

It is our mission to serve as an essential resource to all undergraduate and graduate students for their academic experiences and out-of-class learning opportunities. We aim to do this in two primary ways:

Public Health Focus

Our prevention efforts seek to enhance the emotional and interpersonal well-being of Loyola students through educational programming on campus, and promoting community awareness of issues that relate to positive mental health. We strive to meet the needs of various cultural groups including Loyola students of diverse beliefs and values, through outreach and prevention.  

Our experienced staff meet with students in classrooms, residence halls, and through student organizations to discuss such topics as improving study habits and time management, meditation and relaxation skills, stress management, conflict resolution, how to help a friend in need, grief and loss, and body image. We are eager to meet the needs of students, and, upon request, will plan specific programs of interest to particular organizations or groups.

We also promote mental health awareness and tips through our contributions to campus newsletters. Be on the lookout for Counseling Center features in:

  • the “ALANA Anthem”: published by ALANA Services to increase awareness of cultural diversity and programming; and 
  • the Graduate Student Newsletter: sponsored by the Graduate Student Organization and featuring quarterly “Balance Spotlights” that highlight support for graduate students of color.

Clinical Services

Starting your undergraduate or graduate degree program is very exciting, but it can also be stressful. Classes, tests, work, family, and friends can place competing demands on your time and energy—and sometimes things just happen. It’s not surprising that many students find themselves, at times, feeling anxious or overwhelmed. In fact, about one-third of Loyola students take advantage of services at the Counseling Center before they graduate. You aren’t alone in your feelings, and you don’t have to be alone in working through them.

We offer free, confidential services, including weekly or biweekly individual sessions with a professional counselor. Although most students complete individual counseling in a semester or less, those students whose circumstances require longer-term support can be connected to therapists in the community. If you are currently in counseling or have been in counseling previously, we encourage you to contact us before you arrive at Loyola so we may talk through your specific needs and how we can be of most assistance in working with you or connecting you to the best possible resources.

Many undergraduate and graduate students take advantage of our opportunities to join a group. These weekly sessions, which often continue throughout the academic year, bring together five to eight students with shared concerns. Led by one or two counselors, group sessions last 60-90 minutes and offer opportunities to talk confidentially about your concerns; share them with others who have similar challenges; receive support from group members and counselors; and learn alternative ways of looking at personal problems.

By choosing to study at Loyola, you are participating in a tradition of learning that has enabled students to exceed their dreams and goals. We invite any admitted undergraduate or graduate student (or parent/guardian) to call us at 410-617-CARE (2273).