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FAQ's
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Q:
What does it cost to receive counseling at the counseling service?
A: The
service is free to enrolled students.
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Q:
Can my parents, teachers, administrators, and friends get information about
whether I'm in counseling, and what's happening in my sessions?
A: Not unless you give your counselor written permission for such
disclosure, or your counselor believes you are at significant risk to
hurt yourself or another person.
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Q:
Do I have to be "crazy" to seek counseling.
A: No.
Students seek counseling for support on everyday issues, such as stress
or roommate difficulties, as well as for significant challenges, such as
serious depression. Everybody needs someone to talk to once in a while,
and if you believe that meeting with someone who is not involved in your
everyday life might help you sort things out, then counseling may be
beneficial to you.
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Q:
I have a friend who I think would benefit from counseling. How do I
suggest this tactfully?
A: Suggesting
that a friend seek counseling can be a demonstration of caring and
concern, not of judgment and condemnation. Tell your friend that you are
concerned for his/her well-being, and would like to see him/her feeling
more happy and content than is currently the case. Explain to your friend
that although you are available to lend support, you are not a
professional, and you believe that the assistance you can offer is
limited. You can also offer to be with your friend while he/she makes a
counseling appointment by phone or in person, and to walk him/her to the
counseling center when it is time for the appointment. On occasion
students also feel more comfortable if a friend sits in on the first
session.
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Q:
How many sessions will it take to solve my problem? How many sessions do
I get?
A: It depends
on the nature of the difficulties you are seeking help for, and what it
is that you want to accomplish in counseling. Most students are in
counseling for a relatively short time. Some are seen for a shorter
period of time, some for a longer period. Occasionally if a student
requires very long term counseling, he/she is referred to a mental health
professional off-campus due to limited UCPS resources. Our psychotherapy
groups are long-term, with some members remaining involved for a few
years.
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Q:
If my counselor suggests that I join a therapy group instead of seeing me
individually, is this a sign that he/she does not want to work with me?
A: No. Group
therapy is often the counseling modality of choice for students. Here
students have a unique opportunity to explore interpersonal difficulties
in a social situation, and can share and be supported by peers who may
have similar experiences.
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Q:
Can the staff members at the counseling service prescribe medications for
me (for depression, anxiety, etc.)?
A: No. They
can refer you to psychiatrists in the community who could
prescribe medication if it is appropriate.
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Q:
How long do I have to wait to get an appointment?
A: If you are
experiencing a mental health emergency, the first available
counselor will see you. Otherwise, please make an appointment, and you
will most likely be seen within a few days.
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Q:
Do I have a choice of which counselor I meet with?
A: If you
have a preference for a particular counselor we will attempt to meet your
request, whenever possible. If you would like to switch counselors after
you have already begun counseling, let the secretary know that you would
like to switch, and this can be accommodated. If you feel able to do so,
it is also best if you also discuss this with the counselor you began
working with.
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