After an initial assessment, an agreement between the student and counselor will be reached about proceeding with treatment. Counseling Center staff is experienced in working with adjustment problems and developmental issues as well as more serious psychiatric disorders. There is a consulting psychiatrist who is at the College 7 hours per week to aid in diagnosis and prescribe and monitor medications when needed. Counseling Center staff are committed to helping students negotiate difficulties and develop the tools to handle their problems in a way that promotes their own growth and development. The Counseling Center offers psychotherapy groups each semester for students wishing to explore aspects of their personal growth or life experiences.
Groups are a powerful way to deal with issues of trust and problems in relationships.
The groups are formed early each semester and continue with the same membership throughout the semester. Groups usually have between 5 and 8 participants and two co-therapists leading the group. Students who are interested in group counseling can start exploring that interest by making an individual appointment with a counselor. Counseling Center staff is available to assess and intervene in a psychological crisis on a 24-hour basis. Outside of regular office hours, a counselor can be contacted through the safety office, residence staff or a student affairs staff member on call.