Counseling Services

Wilkes University Counseling Center

Counselor with student.

Counseling is an opportunity to confidentially discuss personal concerns or issues with a counselor or explore ways of working through them. Some individuals may choose to utilize counseling services over the course of a semester or year, while others may only need a few appointments to discuss a current situation in order to gain clarity and/or direction. Many students of all ages and backgrounds access counseling support.

The Wilkes University Counseling Center is located on the second floor of Passan Hall at 267 South Franklin Street across from the Arnaud C. Marts Sports and Conference Center.

Students can schedule an appointment Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. through one of two ways:

The Wilkes University Support Line 570-408-CHAT (2428) is available 24/7 for any student crisis. This line is staffed with skilled clinicians who are trained specifically in college student mental health. Support is available to students who may be experiencing any mental health issue as well as students who may be experiencing an emergency situation. Our hope is that our Support Line service will be complementary to counseling services presently available to students. We want to provide comfort and care for students by letting them know that despite their circumstances, support is always available.

In the event of an emergency, please contact Wilkes University Police Department at 570-408-4999 or 911.

Red Folder

Learn how to support students in distress with our Red Folder Initiative materials.

See something. Say something. Do something.

Frequently Asked Questions

Counseling is an opportunity to discuss personal concerns or issues with a counselor and explore ways of working through them. Some individuals may choose to utilize counseling services over the course of a semester or year, while others may only need a few appointments to discuss a current situation in order to gain clarity and/or direction. Besides individual counseling, we also include group counseling experiences, consultation and referral services, crisis intervention, and personal development workshops.

All undergraduate students (on-campus, off-campus, full-time and part-time) are eligible for mental health counseling. At Wilkes University, individuals access support for concerns including (but not limited to):

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Identity issues
  • Eating issues
  • Interpersonal conflicts with peers and family
  • Substance issues
  • Adjustment issues

The Counseling Center is located on the second floor of Passan Hall at 267 South Franklin Street across from the Arnaud C. Marts Sports and Conference Center.

You may contact the Wilkes University Counseling Center during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) at 570-408-4100.

For after hours emergencies, please contact our 24/7 University Support line at 570-408-CHAT (2428) to speak with a mental health clinician for any mental health crises.

You may also contact your RA (if you are a residential student living on campus) or call Public Safety at (570) 408-4999 for after hours emergencies.

You should be able to get an appointment within one - three weeks. Please know that we will make every effort to accommodate you with an appointment as soon as possible. For crisis situations during regular business hours, a counselor will contact you as soon as possible. For after hours emergencies, please contact your RA and/or Public Safety at 570-408-4999, or dial 911, or call our 24/7 University Support Line at 570-408-CHAT (2428).

Counseling Services does not currently set a limit on number of appointments per semester. However, if needs are such that more long-term or more intensive therapy is required, community referrals will be offered.

Counseling services are free and confidential.

Contact Us

Maria C. Richards, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist
Wilkes University Counseling Center
Passan Hall, Second Floor
(570) 408-6210
maria.richards@wilkes.edu

Melissa A. Gaudio, MA, NCC, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor
Wilkes University Counseling Center
Passan Hall, Second Floor
(570) 408-4358
melissa.gaudio@wilkes.edu

Jeanne Grymko, MA, CAADC, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor
Wilkes University Counseling Center
Passan Hall, Second Floor
(570) 408-4109
jeanne.grymko@wilkes.edu

Heloise J. Ridley, MBA, MA, NCC, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor
Wilkes University Counseling Center
Passan Hall, Second Floor
(570) 408-4355
heloise.ridley@wilkes.edu

998 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline logo

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org

988 connects you with a trained crisis counselor who can help.

Connect with a Crisis Counselor