College Welcomes New Embedded Counselor Jenn Archer

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences welcomed a new full-time embedded counselor, Jenn Archer, on May. 1. In this role, Archer will support the mental health and wellness of the college’s undergraduate and graduate students. She will also consult with faculty about student concerns.

“Having Jenn on board is great news for our college and our community,” says Deanna Dannels, dean of the college. “She is an excellent fit and brings stellar ideas on how to enhance our focus on mental health and wellness and strengthen our culture of care to help us all thrive.”

Archer has worked in the NC State Counseling Center since 2021 before transitioning to her current position. She joins the college with a wealth of experience working with concerns ranging from anxiety and depression to life transitions, and family and multicultural concerns. She also can provide guidance with stress and time management and career counseling.

Her interest in counseling students in higher education stems from her desire “to make an impact on an individual basis,” Archer says. She also chose to work with college-age students because “I love seeing the potential in every student I meet and getting to encourage and support them as they navigate the ups and downs of their time in college,” she adds.

Archer earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from UNC-Chapel Hill as well as master’s and doctorate degrees in counseling psychology from the University of Texas, Austin. She recently received her provisional license as a psychologist, and plans to be fully licensed by the end of this year, she explains.

Asked what she is looking forward to the most in her new role, Archer says, “Getting a more personal understanding of the college’s students! That way, I can better advocate for their needs and tailor my work to common student concerns.” 

As an embedded counselor, Archer is part of a university-wide initiative to expand the reach of the Counseling Center and implement more effective mental health resources in the NC State community.

We caught up with Archer to learn more about her plans for her new role and the offerings students can expect.

Please share a few of your plans.
Accessibility is a big aspect of the embedded role, and the plan is to have drop-in spaces for students to learn more about counseling. More to come in terms of specifics, but I hope to have a more proactive role at campus events, orientation and even within certain classes. The goal is to demystify counseling and make it easier for students to ask for help by putting a name and face to the Counseling Center. 

Who is eligible for counseling with you?
Any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled within the college. I can also consult with faculty about student concerns. 

When and how can students sign up for counseling? How long are the sessions?
Whether they are getting connected with me or with other services at the center, students can go to the Counseling Center’s Getting Started page to learn more.

Sessions are about 50 minutes in length and will be available virtually and in person. Students typically can receive up to 12 sessions during an academic year. 

Where will your office be located?
For now, I will be located within the main Counseling Center within Student Health Services. I’ll also have an office in Winston Hall, before eventually transitioning to a space within the 1911 Building.

Will a student’s session be covered by the student’s insurance?
Counseling Center services, outside of psychiatry, are covered by student fees. My services will NOT involve billing to insurance and come at no cost to students.