Counseling Services

The mission of Counseling Services is to help students overcome interpersonal, emotional, and psychological barriers to academic success. 
Services are free and confidential for enrolled MassBay students. 

What is Counseling?
Counseling is a process of working with a professionally trained counselor in becoming a healthier human being in all aspects of life. Counseling is: 

• A voluntary process of self-discovery and change. Whether you decide to return for more sessions is up to you.
• A confidential conversation about a situation, problem, relationship, family issue, or habit that you want to change. 
• A positive, educational step that you can take when you feel stuck in life. 
• An active collaboration with your counselor to find workable strategies to life barriers.

Is our conversation confidential?
Yes, your conversation with the counselor is private and confidential. Meeting notes are kept separate from your academic record. The counselor will tell you the legal limits of confidentiality during your first meeting and you are encouraged to ask questions.

Can I see a counselor if I already have a mental health provider off-campus?
It depends - you should ask your provider if seeing a counselor at MassBay will work with your treatment plan and goals. Our aims are to work as a team and avoid confusion in the treatment process. We may ask you to fill out a release of information form so that we can collaborate with your current or recent providers. 

MassBay students have come in to talk with a counselor about:

• Feeling overwhelmed or stuck
• Concerns about substance use or addiction 
• Depression and suicide prevention
• Stress, anxiety, and worry 
• Traumatic experiences, past or present 
• Relationship or family issues 
• Sexual orientation and identity 
• Gender and identity 
• Grief and loss of important relationships
• Concerns about eating or sleeping habits
• Procrastination, concentration, or motivation problems
• Difficulty adjusting to life at MassBay, Boston, or the United States
• Finding Off-Campus resources 

Jon Edwards, MA, LMHC - Director - jedwards@massbay.edu

Jon is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Assumption College. Jon began working in the mental health field as a counselor in a residential psychiatric rehabilitation treatment program. He trained and worked as a counselor in the Student Development and Counseling Center at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.  

Ann Whelan, MA, LMHC - Associate Director - awhelan@massbay.edu

Ann is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University. She has advanced training in psychotherapy from The Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. In addition to College Mental Health, Ann has experience in community mental health and substance abuse counseling and education. 

Jessica Post, MSW, LICSW - Counselor - jpost@massbay.edu 

Jessica is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and an experienced therapist. She provides counseling to students on the Framingham and Ashland campuses. 

Nicole Petersen, BA - Counselor

Nicole is a Master's degree candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lesley University. She will be providing counseling to students during her 2020-2021 Internship year at MassBay. 
 

Nina Shen, BA - Counselor

Nina is a Master's degree candidate in Mental Health Counseling at Boston College. She will be providing counseling to students during her 2020-2021 Internship year at MassBay. 

Yes, we have an LHMC-track Internship program for students pursuing a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, or equivalent. 
 

Click here for the Internship program description and application instructions.

Contact us at CounselingInternship@massbay.edu with questions and applications.