What services are offered?

Consultation
If a student is experiencing stress or is struggling with a mental health diagnosis, Dr. Pennella will be available to see them during “drop-in” hours, which will be held Thursdays from 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm. During these times, students (or faculty/staff who are concerned about a student or who have a mental health-related question) may visit Dr. Pennella to talk about the stressors they have been experiencing or other mental health-related concerns. Based on the needs of the student, Dr. Pennella may recommend options for helping that student, including the possibility of referring him or her into the community to appropriate psychological or psychiatric resources.

Student Services has a contract with a variety of personal counseling services available to students at the Lancaster Campus. The contract covers a limited number of visits with the option of extending the number of visits in individual situations.

An important clarification, however, about Dr. Pennella’s role at OU Lancaster is to emphasize that she will not be able to respond to crises or emergencies when she is not on campus. That is, if a student needs immediate mental health intervention, such as in the case of thoughts or plans regarding harming oneself or someone else, he or she may speak with Dr. Pennella only when she is available on campus. She will not be reachable for crisis, emergency, or individual counseling outside of her regularly scheduled day on campus.

During days and times that Dr. Pennella is not on campus, students and faculty/staff concerned about an immediate need should contact Pat Fox or Jim Wellington in Student Services at OU Lancaster (during business hours) at 740.654.6711 Ext. 215. If they are not available, concerned individuals may contact New Horizons Youth & Family Center at 740.687.0835 or their Crisis Line (available 24/7) at 740-687-8255.

Psychoeducational & Outreach Programs
In addition to individual sessions and referral options, Dr. Pennella will also be available to engage in outreach or educational programs for staff, faculty, and students regarding a wide variety of mental health issues, stressors, and topics that pertain to a university campus community. Such topics include, but are not limited to, stress management, conflict resolution, recognizing the presence of mental health issues, substance abuse, and eating disorders.