University life is full of opportunities but it can also be a stressful time. Even the most self-reliant student might have difficulties negotiating academic, interpersonal and emotional concerns and would benefit from speaking with a professional.

The Counseling Center works directly with students in overcoming difficulties that may interfere with defining and accomplishing educational and personal goals. Our staff is available for consultation to students, faculty, and staff who are concerned about the well-being of students.

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Counseling Services During COVID-19

Good News: Counseling will still be available 24/7/365!

COUNSELING CENTER SERVICES will be provided via telehealth during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Our professional licenses allow us to provide telehealth services to those clients who are in the state of NJ.  For students outside the state of NJ, please reach out to the Counseling Center and we will help you find services.

PSYCHIATRIC APPOINTMENTS: Will take place by phone. Dr. Opdyke will call you as scheduled. For more information, please email Mikolaya.Nynka@centenaryuniversity.edu

LET’S TALK HOURS (formerly Walk-in hours). Every weekday from 12:00-1:00 pm. Email Mikolaya.Nynka@centenaryuniversity.edu for a link to our next Let’s Talk session.

AFTER HOURS: Our telephone line rolls over to ProtoCall Services where a counselor will assist you. As always, they will inform us of your call and the staff of the Counseling Center will reach out to you the next business today to see if we can be of further assistance to you.

SELF HELP WELLNESS TOOL:  https://you.centenaryuniversity.edu/ Log in with your Centenary email and password. You will find invaluable information about topics such as wellness, academics, and Centenary campus resources.

OUTREACH: Look for Counseling Center emails about upcoming workshops and programs. Find us on Instagram: centenaryuniversitycounseling

Please reach out to us if you have concerns and take good care of yourself.

To make an appointment you may call ext. 2125 or email CounselingCenter@centenaryuniversity.edu

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Our appointments are free of charge and completely confidential.

Counseling Services

Counseling for Individuals
Individual counseling sessions may be scheduled at the Counseling Center while school is in session. Appointments are available during office hours (9 to 5) and can be made to accommodate the student’s schedule. Sessions typically last for 50 minutes. Services are free and confidential.

Couples Counseling
Counseling is available to couples when both are students of the university.

Crisis Assistance
The professional staff of the Counseling Center will respond to crises during regular business hours. After hours, ProtoCall Services will provide crisis intervention by phone. ProtoCall Services are an extension of the Counseling Center’s team and are fully integrated into our systems. The next business day we will be notified of all calls so that we can provide the appropriate follow-up.

For emergencies  please call extension 2125 any time day or night

Let’s Talk Hour
Daily virtual Let’s Talk hours for urgent and single-session concerns, Mon-Fri 12:00-1:00 pm

Consultation
Consultation is offered to faculty and staff who seek guidance and support regarding concerns they may have for a student or group of students.

Educational Outreach Programs
 Educational programs are scheduled regularly throughout the academic year on a variety of topics including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, alcohol and post traumatic stress.  To request a program, please call the Counseling Center at ext. 2125.

Suicide Prevention Training
Staff of the Counseling Center are certified suicide prevention trainers. If you would like to be trained or would like to provide training to a group please contact the Counseling Center at ext. 2125

Online Services
Design Your Ideal College Experience: you.centenaryuniversity.edu
Manage stress, set goals, connect to campus resources, develop happiness and well-being
Take the Assessments: Succeed (academics and career); Thrive (physical and mental health); and Matter (purpose, community and social connections)
Sign in with your Centenary user name and password.

Referrals
The staff of the Counseling Center maintains a network of referrals to outside mental health professionals and other helpful resources.

Contact us:

Director & Staff

Mikolaya Nynka, LPC – Director
605 Grand Avenue
Phone: 908-852-1400 ext. 2128
Email: Mikolaya.Nynka@centenaryuniversity.edu

Mikolaya (Kaya) Nynka, LPC has been a counselor at Centenary University since 2008, helping students navigate emotional, relational and life challenges.  Kaya has led initiatives on campus such as the Mind Spa program and Mental Health First Aid.  She became the Director of the Counseling Center in Fall 2020 and is working to create new programs and partnerships on campus.  Kaya completed her B.S. in Applied Psychological Studies at New York University and her M.A. and Ed.M. in Psychological Counseling at Columbia University Teachers College.

Narda Ludena, MA/Ed.S LMFT
605 Grand Avenue
Phone: 908-852-1400 ext 2425
Email: Narda.Ludena@centenaryuniversity.edu

Narda Ludena has been serving the Centenary University community as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2018. She graduated with a BA from Rutgers University in Psychology, Masters in Psychological Studies and postgraduate Ed.S in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hall University.  As an agent of change, her approach to therapy is to remind the individual of their inner strengths, explore the health compass of their relationships and achieve wellness.

Dr Karen Stage Opdyke, M.D.
Consulting Psychiatrist
Phone: 908-852-1400 ext. 2125

Andrea Bayer
Administrative Assistant
605 Grand Avenue
Phone 908-852-1400 ext. 2125
Email: Andrea.Bayer@centenaryuniversity.edu

To make an appointment you may call ext. 2125 or email CounselingCenter@centenaryuniversity.edu