• Student Affairs
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Counseling and Support

• What to Expect
• Services
• Commonly Asked Questions
• Psychological Counseling Center

What to Expect

If you are concerned about your alcohol or other drug use or that of someone you care about, you may want to consider talking with Lauren Grover, LICSW, the Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Programmer at the Brandeis University Health Center. 

Lauren provides support to students who want to learn more about their own use of substances, reduce or eliminate their use, or have concerns about a friend or family member's use. This is a free service and it is confidential.  

Counseling, education and programs can be scheduled by calling the Health Center at 781-736-3693 or by emailing Lauren at lgrover@brandeis.edu

BASICS (Brief Alcohol and Other Drug Screening and Intervention for College Students): A two part interview designed to assist you in examining your behaviors in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational environment. It gives you the opportunity to assess your own risk, identify potential changes that would work for you and help you to reduce your risk for developing problems in the future.

Consultation, education, referrals: Support for university staff, faculty and students around substance abuse issues. Helps individuals gain clear and accurate information about drugs and alcohol, including interventions, prevention and referrals to on and off campus resources including self help groups.

PERC -Peers Educating about Responsible Choices (PERC) is the Brandeis Peer Educators who can come to your group, communiity living space, or event to distribute info on alcohol awareness, policy on campus, and safe hosting. They can also tailor their programming to your group or event needs. Contact PERC at percfellows@brandeis.edu

Commonly Asked Questions

How long will the intervention take?
BASICS sessions and 1:1 alcohol awareness sessions are usually 40-50 minutes long. 

How much do the sessions cost?Sessions with Lauren at the Health Cetner are free for Brandeis Community members.

Is my communication confidential?
All communication between student and counselor is considered confidential, according to Massachusetts State Law, with the following exceptions:

• The counselor is permitted to share clinical information about you with other professionals or institutions on your behalf only after you sign a Release of Information for her/him to do so;
• In situations of potential harm to self;
• The counselor is required by law to observe duty to warn and protect situations of suspected or actual harm to others;
• If a court should subpoena records.

Psychological Counseling Center (PCC)

The Psychological Counseling Center at Brandeis is located on campus at Mailman House. The Counseling Center staff is experienced in dealing with developmental and psychological issues ranging from stress and depression to eating disorders. To reach the Counseling Center, call (781) 736-3730 or visit the PCC website.