"Problems do not go away. They must be worked through, or else they remain forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit."
—M. Scott Peck, MD
Maine College of Art & Design counselors are committed to helping students achieve their personal and academic goals and enhance their self-understanding. They provide students with support and encouragement in a non-judgmental, caring setting, where diversity is respected and celebrated.
Wellness programming and opportunities are offered intermittently throughout the academic year at Maine College of Art & Design. Individual wellness appointments may be scheduled by emailing counseling@meca.edu to discuss ways of improving wellness and lifestyle choices and related resources available in the Portland area. These emails are directed to Emma Gifford, Mental Health Counselor, who will reply.
In addition to counseling at the Porteous Building, we offer students virtual medical and mental health care at no additional costs. Students can register at the Virtual Care Group.
Some reasons students seek counseling:
- Anxiety and stress
- Adjustment problems
- Depression
- Disordered eating
- Grief and loss
- LGBTQIA+ issues
- Relationship problems
- Substance use/misuse
Counseling Services:
- Mental health assessment
- Individual counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Consultation with members of the College community, family, providers
- Psychoeducation
- Referrals to appropriate resources and local providers
In an emergency, you may do any of the following, depending on the nature and severity of your concern:
- If you live on campus, consult a Resident Advisor.
- Call the local crisis line: 774.HELP (207.774.4357).
- Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
- Text HOME to 741741 to reach the National Crisis Textline.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.8255.
- Call the Southern Maine Sexual Assault Response Info & Hotline: 800.313.9900.
- For LGBTQIA+ support, call Trans Lifeline: 877.565.8860 and/or Trevor Project : 866.488.7386.
- To file an Alert about a student of concern, please go to this form.