Mental Health Counseling Services

Mission Statement: 

Counseling Services is here to help MassBay students overcome interpersonal, emotional, and psychological barriers to academic success. 

Counseling is: 

• A confidential conversation with a trained mental health professional about a symptom, problem, relationship, family issue, or habit that you want to understand and change.
• A voluntary, collaborative process of self-discovery, insight, feedback, education, and action; whether you decide to return for more sessions is up to you.

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 explain 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 current treatment plan. 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 frequently 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 
• Ethnicity, cultural identity, racial identity, and systems of oppression 
• 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 

Jon is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. 

Ann Whelan, MA, LMHC - Associate Director 

Ann is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. 

Jessica Post, MSW, LICSW - Counselor 

Jessica is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and holds a Master's degree in Social Work.  
 

Nina Shen, MA - Counselor / Multicultural Specialist 

Nina is a part-time counselor and holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. 

Maria Kenngott, BA - Counselor / Intern

Maria is a part-time counselor and a Mental Health Counseling Master's degree candidate.  

David Lee, BBA - Counselor / Intern 

David is a part-time counselor and a Mental Health Counseling Master's degree candidate.