In an emergency, as defined either by you or the student, arrangements will be made to see the student that same day, usually within an hour or so. The initial interview is intended to learn what is troubling the student, and to assess what services would be most helpful - e.g., individual or group counseling or a referral to a more appropriate service. If on-going counseling is appropriate, regular appointments will be scheduled, usually 45 to 60 minutes once a week. At busy times of the year, it may be a week or so before regular appointments begin, but students are encouraged to let the office know if they feel too distressed to wait. Students need to know that services provided at the Counseling Services Center are free and confidential.
Information is released only with a student's written permission.
This means that a counselor cannot discuss the student's situation with a faculty member unless the student provides written permission . Faculty are encouraged to contact the student and ask them if they saw a counselor and how it went. Exceptions to confidentiality may occur if the student is felt to represent a clear danger to themselves or others, if they make their counselor aware of an abusive situation, or in the case of court-ordered subpoenas. Learn the best way to make a referral if appropriate. Clarify your own feelings about the student and consider the ways you can be most effective.