Records may be released only upon the student's written consent. The exception to this strict confidentiality occurs only if the student poses a threat of serious harm to self or others, or when required by law. The student will either be assigned to the intake counselor, or an appropriate referral will be made within the Center, or to an outside agency. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, the first available counselor will see you. The number of sessions will depend on the nature of the difficulty you are seeking help for, and what it is you want to accomplish through counseling.
Most students are in counseling for a short time, some a longer period.
If you have a preference for a particular counselor, please inform the secretary as soon as possible and we will attempt to meet your request, whenever possible. If you desire to switch counselors after you have already begun counseling, please let the secretary know that and ever effort will be made to accommodate. If you feel able to do so, it is helpful if you also discuss this with the counselor you began working with. As a faculty or staff member you are in an excellent position to recognize behavioral changes that characterize the emotionally troubled student. A student's behavior especially if it is inconsistent with previous observation, could be a sign of distress or a cry for help.