How do I know if I need counseling?

Like many students, you may encounter a great deal of stress during your college years—inside and outside of the classroom. While you may cope successfully with the demands of college and life, in general, most of the time, let’s face it, you’re human! Sometimes the pressures can become overwhelming and unmanageable. You may notice feeling anxious or depressed or that you feel alone, isolated, helpless, and even hopeless. These feelings can easily disrupt your academic performance and your sense of well-being. It may even result in engaging in harmful behaviors such as substance abuse or contemplating suicide. These and many other concerns are common reasons for seeking help at Counseling and Psychological Services. There is no need to “do it alone”. Asking for help is one of the most courageous things you can do.

What can I expect from counseling?

Although counselors may differ somewhat in their approaches, there are certain similarities that characterize the helping relationship. In the beginning stage of counseling, your counselor will ask you about your concerns to gain a deeper understanding of you and your life situations. As counseling proceeds, trust between you and your counselor builds and a working partnership is developed. Using a variety of approaches, your counselor will work with you to explore your feelings, make your own decisions, and resolve your concerns. As you gain an understanding of yourself and your feelings, your counselor will work with you to develop and improve your life skills. It should be noted that as you work to resolve your concerns, your stress level may increase temporarily and affect your schoolwork, work, or relationships.

Counseling and Psychological Services is provided in an open, honest, and supportive atmosphere. Your counselor will respect you and is concerned that you receive the best possible treatment.

What rights do I have if I come to counseling?

Students who are eligible to receive services at Counseling and Psychological Services have the following rights as clients:

  • The right to impartial access to treatment regardless of race, religion, sex, age, disability, or lifestyle preference.
  • The right to ask questions about the process of counseling and procedures used at Counseling and Psychological Services.
  • The right to information regarding counselor credentials and training.
  • The right to expect that all information disclosed in counseling will be kept confidential with the exception of information related to danger to self or others, or to the abuse of a child or incapacitated adult. In some cases (e.g., divorce, child custody) information has been released upon court order.
  • The right to participate in the planning of treatment.
  • The right to request a different counselor from the one assigned. This request may be made to the Mental Health Supervisor.
  • The right to terminate counseling at any time.
  • The right to review treatment records, unless, in the view of the therapist, this would be harmful to the client.
  • The right to file a grievance about services offered.