Help Center

Appointments can be scheduled at your convenience, and walk-ins are always welcome. Scheduled appointments are typically 1 hour in length, but timing is flexible to accommodate your needs.

It can be tough to ask for help. Polk State College offers away to get the help you need in one of our help centers or via email at help@polk.edu. The Help Center is staffed by professional counselors who provide free confidential counseling to all PSC students. Whether you’re depressed, anxious or just feeling alone, we’re here to help.

If you need immediate assistance after hours or are in crisis, please call your local crisis center. In West Polk County, call the Peace River Center Crisis Line at (863) 519-3744. In East Polk County, call the Winter Haven Hospital Access line at (800) 723-3248. Crisis Line counselors are available there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 and/or go to your nearest emergency room.

Confidentiality

Services provided by the Help Center are confidential in accordance with State and Federal law. Communication between counselor and client is privileged and safe-guarded under Federal and State Law, i.e., information is not released to anyone (parents, teacher, employers, or authorities) without the client’s written permission.

 Legal Referrals

A group of local attorneys provide free legal consultations for our students, staff, and faculty. You can choose to meet in person or have a phone consultation. The attorneys specialize in criminal, bankruptcy, family, civil, general, real estate, personal injury, and contract law.

Financial Referrals

Managing your personal finances as a student or even working professional is becoming more and more challenging.

It can be easy to fall behind on monthly bills or accrue extensive credit card debt in a very short period of time. The Help Center can connect you to a number of agencies that assist with credit card debt management, food, shelter, free or reduced prescriptions, utility bills, transportation, and other crisis situations. Just call 863-292-3759 for assistance in Winter Haven and 863-669-2309 in Lakeland.

Counseling Services

Polk State College is committed to excellence through education, professional development, and student services. We are working to build a supportive foundation for students, faculty, and staff by providing short-term counseling for both personal and academic issues. PSC recognizes that each person is unique and that services should be personalized to address individual needs.

We all have times in our lives when the stress of managing our daily responsibilities can become overwhelming. If you are struggling with an academic, emotional, family, financial, or personal issue, the Advising and Help Center is here to help.

The Help Center provides free short-term counseling and referrals when additional services are needed. Licensed counselors are available to all Polk State College students, staff, and faculty. We provide support, resources, and solutions for a variety of concerns:

  • Alcohol and Substance Abuse
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Academic Distress
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Balancing Work/Life Demands
  • Coping with College
  • Loss of a Loved One
  • Crisis Concerns
  • Eating Disorders
  • Grief and Loss
  • Relationship and Family Issues
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Sexual Assault
  • Stress Management
  • Sleep Problems
  • Suicidal Thoughts/Feelings
  • Test Anxiety
  • Time Management and Organizational Skills