• Welcome to HCCC Mental Health Counseling & Wellness

    In support of the Hudson County Community College mission, Mental Health Counseling & Wellness aims to foster the psychological health and well-being of students by helping them overcome obstacles that may otherwise prevent them from attaining academic, personal and professional goals. We embrace the diversity that is embodied in the community we serve, and we acknowledge that the individual needs of our students are unique and varied. Thus, we treat each person with respect and dignity. Through collaboration with others across HCCC, we work to provide programs and services that build a supportive community for all.

    All students ACTIVELY ATTENDING HCCC are eligible to receive free supportive counseling and referral services from a licensed mental health professional. If there is an emergency and critical care is needed for psychiatric services, staff will make referrals into the community. If a parent or a friend has concerns about his/her adult child or friend attending HCCC, he/she may call Mental Health Counseling & Wellness to advise us of the situation. Please note that once a referral is reported, no information can be released due to confidentiality.

  • Services provided
    • Free Short term mental health counseling. Email Mentalhealthcounseling@hccc.edu
    • Referrals and linkage to community.
    • Collaboration with current Mental Health Providers with signed consent.
    • Crisis intervention during business hours and referral to appropriate community providers.
    • Follow up care upon student’s return to school after a family/mental health issue.
    • Group counseling, workshops and organized wellness events.
    • Promotion for educational awareness of Mental Health issues with the goal of making HCCC a “Stigma free campus.” #ChangeMentalHealth www.changedirection.org

  • If a student is in Psychological crisis, he/she is directed to call 911 or go to the local Emergency Room. The following 2 resources are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week: Suicide Prevention Line: 1.800.273.8255 and Crisis Text Line
    – Text HELLO to 741-741.

    In addition to clinical services, we will also be initiating an ongoing HEALTH AND WELLNESS Program throughout the year. Please periodically check our student portal at https://myhudson.hccc.edu/mental-health-counseling-wellness-center for upcoming activities such as: Wellness Fairs, and other provider events.

  • CONFIDENTIALITY:
    Rights to privacy and confidentiality are taken seriously. Communications between the counselor and student are privileged, confidential and safeguarded by our staff. Counseling records do not become part of the educational record. Counseling information is not released to anyone outside of the Counseling Center without a student's written permission. We will not release your records unless we have written consent. However, there are four exceptions to confidentiality: (1) Imminent harm to yourself, (2) Imminent harm to others or property, (3) Abuse of children, the elderly or the disabled and (4) Staff consultation and/or supervision.

  • Contact information
    Office Days/Hours: (9am-5pm)
    Monday – Friday

    Doreen Marie Pontius, M.S.W., L.C.S.W
    Associate Director of Counseling & Wellness
    70 Sip Avenue, Room 215
    Jersey City, NJ 07306
    201.360.4229
    dpontius@hccc.edu

    Marie Mahood, M.A., L.P.C.
    Counselor & Advisor
    201.360.4155
    mmahood@hccc.edu