Free Mental Health Services for Penn Undergrads

Struggling with the stress of college? Exploring gender or sexuality? Relationship challenges? Grief and loss? Or any other concerns?

Please reach out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Penn Hillel providing this service?

For the past few years, it has become clear to the Penn Hillel staff team that the need for mental health support is great and that our students have had an increasingly difficult time securing services.  Through a great deal of research and with donor support, we identified an opportunity to work in partnership with Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Philadelphia to have our very own therapist to support our students. Our therapist will support students individually, host group gatherings in support of mental health, support staff wellness, and help students identify alternative therapeutic treatment if more appropriate.

Sofy Maxman is a Master of Social Work and Master of Education graduate from Widener University, with a concentration in Human Sexuality Studies. She has experience providing counseling and support to adolescents and young adults in university and mental health settings. Sofy’s approach is trauma-informed, relational, and strengths based, drawing from cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, solution-focused, and narrative approaches. Sofy is passionate about supporting students as they navigate life transitions, relationships, identity, grief and loss, anxiety, identity, and the many other challenges that come with emerging adulthood. She strives to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, build on their strengths, and develop tools that feel meaningful and sustainable. Sofy is thrilled to be working with the Penn Hillel community, and looks forward to supporting students through whatever they walk through the door with.

Any currently enrolled undergraduate, regardless of background, is eligible to sign-up for services through this program.  Individuals who may be struggling with the stress of college, exploring gender or sexuality, relationship challenges, grief and loss, or any other concerns are encouraged to seek support.

Students will decide together with the therapist if short term or long-term work may be more beneficial. Sessions are 50 minutes long.

Sessions will be held in-person on the third floor of Penn Hillel. Sofy has a private office with a noise-cancelling machine outside the door to ensure confidentiality.

It is 100% free for Penn students!

If you would currently like mental health support, are having a tough time, or want to maintain your mental health, please complete this form and someone from Jewish Family and Children’s Services will call you directly to get you set up with a few quick paperwork/logistical items. Once you’ve completed the short intake process with JFCS, Sofy will be in touch to coordinate your first in-person appointment. From there, you’ll be all set for regular weekly sessions!

Helpful Resources