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The Wellness Center
 
 

General Info

Counseling Center

GENERAL & EMERGENCY HOTLINE: 713-348-4867
Get more emergency information.

LOCATED: Our primary location is in the Morton L. Rich Health Service Center( next to the Brown Masters House). This is the office where you should call or go to make appointments. Some of our counselors are located in the Barbara & David Gibbs Wellness Center. Click here for more location information.

HOURS: Monday - Friday (9:00am-5:00pm), closed weekends and University holidays.

 

Wellness Center

LOCATED: First floor of the Barbara & David Gibbs Recreation & Wellness Center Building.

HOURS: Monday - Friday (9:00 am - 5:00 pm), closed weekends and University holidays

PHONE: (713) 348-5194

Let's Talk

We're here to help. Click here for more information on how to make an appointment with someone from the Rice Counseling Center.

For answers to common questions and concerns about going to the Counseling Center, check out the Counseling Center FAQs.

Fresh Start logo 

Fresh Start is a tobacco cessation program designed by the American Cancer Society and facilitated by Rice's Wellness Center. It is a four-session program designed for students who are ready to quit smoking and would like to have as much support and as many resources as possible.  If you are ready to quit smoking, please contact us at 713-348-5194 to schedule a meeting so we can help you plan your Quit Date.  To enroll in this program, you MUST meet with one of our wellness coaches to determine your readiness to quit. 

 

Program Elements

Session 1: Understanding How and Why You Smoke
  •  Identify both the physiological and psychological triggers for smoking
  • Address potential ambivalence about quitting
  • Describe approaches to stopping: “cold turkey”, postponing, and tapering
  • Describe types of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
 		 Session 3: Mastering Obstacles
  • Address concerns about weight gain and discuss low-calorie snacks
  • Discuss the role alcohol may play in the quit attempt
  •  Identify good vs. bad interpersonal support
 
Session 2: Mastering the First Few Days
  • Understanding and managing withdrawal symptoms
  • Increasing confidence and assertiveness
  • Positive thinking and imagery to move you forward
 		 Session 4: Staying Quit and Enjoying It Forever
  • Define “ripple benefits” of quitting
  • Discuss strategies for avoiding relapse
  • Describe long-term benefits of quitting
 

Online Cessation Resources