About Us
The CARE team is a campus-wide team of appointed staff responsible for identifying, assessing, and responding to concerns and/or disruptive behaviors by students who struggle academically, emotionally, or psychologically, or who present a risk to the health or safety of the college or its members.
The day-to-day work of the CARE Team is provided by a team of CARE team Case Managers – non-clinical providers who play a vital role in supporting students’ well-being at Providence College. While Deans of Students primarily focus on the overall administration of student affairs, they may also serve as non-clinical case managers when the situation requires.
Meet Our Case Managers
Steven Sears, Ed.D.
Sr. VP for Student Affairs | Dean of Students
Tiffany Gaffney, MBA
Associate VP for Student Affairs | Associate Dean of Students
Beth Terrell, M.Ed.
Assistant Dean of Students
Flavia Yanez Albert, M.A.
Assistant Director of Student Outreach & Support Services | CARE Case Manager
Whitney Tourinho, B.A.
Assistant Director of Student Outreach & Support Services | CARE Case Manager
Case Managers vs Clinical Therapists
The role of a CARE Case Manager differs significantly from that of a clinical therapist. CARE Case Managers are non-clinical providers who support students’ well-being through assessment, advocacy, resource coordination, and, when necessary, crisis intervention. Clinical Therapists working in the Providence College Personal Counseling Center are licensed clinical psychologists, social workers, mental health clinicians, and advanced doctoral trainees in psychology (supervised by PCC psychologists) who provide comprehensive mental health care to students.
Role of CARE Case Managers
CARE Non-Clinical Case Managers play a vital role in supporting students’ well-being within our educational institution.
Their responsibilities typically include:
- Support and Advocacy: They provide one-on-one support to students experiencing various challenges, such as mental health issues, academic stress, personal crises, or behavioral concerns. They act as advocates, helping students navigate resources and develop strategies for success.
- Crisis Intervention: Case managers respond to students in distress, providing immediate support, assessing their needs, and connecting them with appropriate services such as counseling, medical care, or housing assistance.
- Behavioral Assessment: They work as part of a team that assesses and addresses behaviors of concern, identifying at-risk individuals and taking proactive measures to prevent harm to the student or the community.
- Resource Coordination: They act as liaisons between students and campus or community resources, including counseling services, academic support, financial aid, and other services that can help students overcome obstacles to their success.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: CARE Case Managers provide ongoing support, ensuring students are following their care plans, attending appointments, and making progress in managing their challenges.
- Educational Outreach: They may also engage in outreach to educate the campus community on mental health, wellness, and behavioral intervention.
Role of a Clinical Therapist
Counseling Center Staff play a crucial role in providing comprehensive mental health care to students within our educational institution.
Their responsibilities typically include:
- Clinical Treatment and Assessment: They deliver culturally sensitive clinical treatment and assessments to students, including those coping with ongoing mental health concerns or diagnoses. The staff comprises licensed clinical psychologists, social workers, licensed mental health clinicians, and advanced doctoral trainees in psychology, all supervised by PCC psychologists.
- Addiction and Substance Use Support: Specialists in addiction and substance use offer thorough assessments and ongoing care for students dealing with substance use concerns or addiction. They provide referrals and develop tailored care plans for these students.
- Specialized Sport Psychology: The clinical sport psychology staff work directly with Athletics and student-athletes to offer specialized care, addressing the unique psychological needs of athletes to support their overall well-being and performance.
- Psychiatric Medication Referrals: Students working with counselors or clinicians in the PCC may be referred for psychiatric medication assessment by the psychiatric staff, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their mental health care.
- Crisis Intervention and Risk Assessment: The clinical staff provide crisis intervention, risk assessments, and ongoing counseling treatment. They also refer students to both on-campus and off-campus resources as needed.
- Prevention and Outreach: PCC staff engage in prevention and outreach programming, offering psychoeducational training to the larger campus community to promote mental health awareness and support.
Meetings: What to Expect
If you’re meeting with a CARE Case Manager for the first time, it’s natural to feel some uncertainty or stress. We understand that meeting with us might feel a bit daunting, especially since we might be unfamiliar faces. Our goal is to support you and make this process as comfortable as possible.
Below is some information to help you feel more at ease when you come to see us. If you have any questions before your meeting, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email.
Meeting Types
We are available to meet with students Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. If you need to schedule a meeting outside of these hours, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you. You can choose between in-person and virtual appointments. Whether you’re off-campus, a commuter student, need support during a break, or wish to include a loved one in your meeting, you won’t need to worry about coming to campus for support. Most meetings are one-on-one, but support persons are welcome to join with your consent.
Referrals
Students can be referred to CARE from any member of the campus community for various reasons, or you can self-refer if you need support. While we collaborate with Community Standards, we operate separately and are not involved in disciplinary actions.
Privacy vs. Confidentiality
The CARE program maintains privacy as defined by FERPA but is not a confidential resource. We will keep your information private and only share details if necessary for support and advocacy. As mandated reporters, we must report any disclosure of sexual misconduct and if someone is at risk of harm.
The Dean of Students Office
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Office Location: Slavin 201 (the stairs/elevator to the 2nd floor of Slavin are around the corner from ’64 Hall)
401.865.1782
deanofstudents@providence.edu
