What a Student can Expect from an Initial Visit at the Counseling & Consultation Center

Students may call the center at 448-8538 or come by Moody Hall Room 110 to make an appointment. Urgent situations will be seen the same day and crisis situations will be seen immediately (if possible, call first so we will be ready). Our office hours are: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. , Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. All services are free to currently enrolled students.

At the student's first visit to the Counseling & Consultation Center , there is an information packet (which can be waived in emergencies) to fill out before the student sees a counselor. During the first appointment, the counselor begins an assessment of the student's needs and the ways in which we might be able to help. Students need to know that services at the Counseling & Consultation Center are confidential by law. (This also means that we are not able to provide feedback to faculty without the student's permission).

If the student and counselor agree that individual counseling is appropriate, the student can expect to be referred to the most appropriate and available counselor. Appointments last for approximately 50 minutes. Generally, the student and counselor determine how the center can best meet the clients' needs and schedule appointments accordingly. Other options include group counseling, psychiatric consultation and evaluation, reflecting team, and/or making a referral to another campus or community agency.

Occasionally, intensive treatment or hospitalization is required for someone who is suicidal and/or making threats to hurt others. In those circumstances, we work closely with the student, his or her family and others who need to be involved to arrange for appropriate care.

It also is possible that the student may leave the initial appointment feeling able to handle the problem on his/her own.