Counseling and Psychological Services
We partner with Dr. Dan Martin, Ph.D., a licensed and board-certified clinical psychologist. He provides brief psychotherapy and other interventions directly to students utilizing motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral strategies. In addition to having expertise in general psychological practice, Dr. Martin specializes in substance use assessment and treatment. Dr. Martin’s services are included in a student’s tuition and fees.
The School also has a relationship with a local psychiatrist, who provides medication consultation and management on campus as needed. The cost of these services is the responsibility of the student's family.
Dr. Dan works to respond to and support students' ongoing individual development. He assists adolescents in working through normative developmental hurdles, fostering adaptive solutions, and developing a strong sense of self. In addition, he works very closely with parents.
About Dr. Dan Martin
Dr. Dan received his Ph.D. from Ohio University and completed both a pre-doctoral fellowship and a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine focusing on psychotherapy and assessment. Upon completion, he received a faculty appointment at Yale where he conducted studies that investigated pharmacological and psychological treatments for substance use disorders at their Substance Abuse Treatment Unit. In 2000 he published a widely-cited journal article that provides a meta-analysis of the literature on the importance of client/therapist relationship. Dr. Dan operated a successful private practice in New Haven and is board certified in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology.
About the Counseling Office at Avon Old Farms
Parents and students can schedule an initial appointment with Dr. Dan through the student's advisor or by contacting him directly at 203-887-7454. At the student's first visit, students can discuss their concerns and treatment options. Together, Dr. Dan and the student will collaborate about future appointments. Options include further counseling with Dr. Dan, coordinated discussions with parents, referral to a community provider for ongoing therapy/psychological testing, and medications prescribed by our consulting psychiatrist.
Why Students Seek Counseling
- academic stress
- adjustment difficulties
- alcohol/drug use
- anxiety
- body image issues
- competition concerns
- compulsions
- depression
- eating concerns
- family or personal issues
- loss and grief
- obsessions
- homesickness
- parental divorce
- relationships
- family
- friends
- romantic
- roommates
- self-esteem issues
- sexual concerns
- sexual orientation and identity
- traumatic experiences
- concern for a friend
Confidentiality
Everything discussed with a mental health clinician is held in the strictest confidence and is not communicated to anyone without your permission, except in the rare instance of a life-threatening situation.
Peer Counseling
The AOF Peer Counseling Network provides additional support to students with regard to their academic, social, emotional, and cultural life at Avon Old Farms. Students can request to talk to a peer counselor either through the health center or directly with one of the students who fulfill this role. Peer Counselors meet with fellow students to offer support, suggestions, and referrals.
