Averett Counseling Services

Personal Counseling Services

The Counseling Center is a learning and resource center that provides personal counseling to individuals and groups, consultation services and educational programming. The services of the center promote personal and social growth and development. The staff of the Averett University Counseling Center is committed to providing services to help students achieve their personal and academic goals. Counseling services are offered to individuals or groups in a confidential manner, enabling students to find resources, solve problems and make behavior changes as needed. Students are treated with respect, and issues are addressed in a timely manner. Exceptional student service and preparing students for an emotionally healthy and successful life is the mission of the Averett University Counseling Center.

Typical Topics:

Adjustment to College Life
Relationships (including roommate, marital & family)
Stress/Anxiety
Depression
Eating Disorders
Conflict Resolution
Grief/Loss
Substance Misuse
Others as Needed

Our Services:

Individual counseling
Relationship counseling
Group counseling
Psycho-educational groups

Psychiatric Services:

Referrals are made as needed

Educational Programs

Health awareness and recovery programs are available based on students’ needs and interests.

Confidentiality Statement

Counseling records are kept confidential, separate from other student records. No record or information is released to a third party without students’ permission, except in a life-threatening situation, when court ordered or mandated by law.

Personal Counseling Services Staff

Joan Kahwajy-Anderson, M.Ed., L.P.C.
Director of Personal Counseling Services
Student Center, Room 412
(434) 791-5624
jkahwajy@Averett.edu

Joan has served as the Averett University counselor since August 1997. She is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia. Prior to coming to Averett she served as a Clinical Director at Health Options, P.C. She also has twelve years of health care management experience.

Jessie Henderson, M.A., N.C.C
Resident in Counseling
Student Center, Room 414
(434) 791-6896
jthenderson@Averett.edu

Jessie graduated from Averett University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After Averett, she moved to Tennessee and pursued a graduate degree from East Tennessee State University. In 2016, she graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in College Counseling/Student Affairs.