Counseling Center
At Benedictine University, we are committed to supporting our students academically, but also spiritually, mentally and physically. We provide wellness programming to help our students care for themselves while fulfilling their academic goals.
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
Closest hospital: Edward Hospital 825 S. Washington Street Naperville, IL 630-527-3000
For mental health crises: Linden Oaks Naperville Main Campus 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for an emergency walk-in assessment. Linden Oaks Main Campus is located at 852 S. West Street in Naperville. You may call Linden Oaks at 630-305-5027 for more information.
Hours of operation for Fall 2025:
Monday-Thursday:
8:45 a.m.–4:15 p.m. and by appointment
Friday:
9 a.m.–3 p.m. (Virtual) and by appointment
Please call 630-829-1800 to schedule an appointment or walk into the counseling center in Lisle Campus, lower level Krasa 010.
DuPage County Health Crisis Services
630-627-1700
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
https://www.dupagehealth.org/183/Crisis-Services
Benedictine University Counseling Center Staff
Shirin Ahmed, MS, LPC (she/her/hers)
Director of the Counseling Center
Shirin is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. She is passionate about empowering college students, supporting marginalized communities, and promoting equity, inclusion, and human rights. With a strong foundation in advocacy and activism, Shirin volunteers with various relief organizations and is deeply committed to creating safe, affirming spaces for all. Fluent in Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, and English, she brings a multicultural lens to her work and specializes in supporting first- and second-generation young adults navigating identity, cultural expectations, and life transitions.Shirin believes in meeting clients where they are—with empathy, acceptance, and genuine curiosity. She works collaboratively with each individual, keeping their goals at the center of the therapeutic process. Her person-centered approach integrates evidence-based techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, strengths-based therapy, and stress-reduction strategies.Welcoming clients from all backgrounds, Shirin is dedicated to fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to grow.
Christopher Reynoso (he/him/his)
Counseling Center Graduate Intern
Chris is currently completing his M.S. in Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University. Chris is a part of the MCP 3+2 program at Benedictine completing his undergraduate work in Psychology. At Benedictine, Chris played soccer for the past 4 seasons. Chris enjoys working with adolescents and emerging adults along with athletes. Using a client centered approach along with cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectal behavior therapy, Chris is passionate about working together with college students to help them achieve their goals. Understanding that mental health is so important for our well-being, Chris is dedicated to being a resource for all students while also hoping to improve mental health awareness in athletic and minority communities.
Elizabeth Osorio (she/her/hers)
Counseling Center Graduate Intern
Elizabeth is currently completing her M.S. in Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University. She graduated from Benedictine with her B.A. in Psychology. Elizabeth is fluent in English and Spanish and enjoys working with others from diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about working with young adults and first-generation college students. Elizabeth believes in creating a safe space for clients to explore their emotions. She uses a client-centered approach as well as dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and others that would best suit the client’s needs.
Claire Maly (she/her/hers)
Counseling Center Graduate Intern
Claire is currently completing her M.S. in Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Psychology. Claire is passionate about making others feel seen, heard, and valued. She enjoys working with young adults as they navigate life transitions, relationships, and anything else life may throw at them. Claire creates a safe and empathetic space for clients to process their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. She operates from a person-centered approach while also incorporating strengths-focused therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, stress reduction techniques, and others to meet the individual needs of clients. She looks forward to working collaboratively with people from all backgrounds to move toward their goals.
Dedicated to Offering a Student-Centered Approach
The Benedictine University Counseling Center supports each student in their pursuit of personal, social and academic goals, and in keeping with the Benedictine University mission. We promote a student’s growth and development in a safe and confidential environment and by encouraging self-reflection.
These goals are achieved by:
- Individual, couples and group counseling with a licensed professional and graduate level interns
- Consultation with faculty or staff to support students
- Crisis intervention
- Outreach programming
- Referrals
How to Refer a Student to the Counseling Center
When concerned about a student, we suggest that you encourage the student to visit the Benedictine University Counseling Center to discuss their situation. Here are a few ways you can refer them to the Counseling Center:
- Speak with the student one-on-one and suggest they visit the Counseling Center.
- Call the Counseling Center while you are with the student, then offer the phone to the student.
- Walk with the student to the Counseling Center. Students in crisis will take priority.
We understand that because of your concern for the student, you may want to follow up with the counselor. Please remember that the communication between a counselor and client is confidential. Without written consent from the student, we cannot and will not discuss the details of a student’s session or even confirm that the student in question is in counseling.
Mesa Campus Resources
The Mesa Campus has the Student Assistance Program with Catholic Charities. The Contact Number is 602-749-4405 and students can receive 5 counseling sessions at no cost. After the first five, insurance can be used or the counselor can request additional support from the University for the student if they do not have insurance. All virtual appointments at this time.
Mesa Student Assistance Program
through Catholic Charities
602-749-4405
[email protected]
Counseling Center
Lisle Campus, Lower Level Krasa Center 010
630-829-1800