Scope of Services
Counseling Services are offered to ȺpÎÞÂë students without charge or utilization of private health insurance. Services include initial intake assessment, individual counseling, group counseling, urgent care/crisis services, consultation and care coordination. With appropriate student signed release of information, Counselors are also able to provide consultation to faculty, staff and family members of students to promote connection to resources and appropriate supports.
Center services are voluntary and the frequency and length of treatment is defined in a collaborative process between the student and their counselor. The average is eight to ten sessions which is considered a brief counseling treatment model. Students may request referrals for community resources and counselors may make recommendations for further assessment or treatment if it is clear a specialist would be best practice to support presenting concerns. If a student is experiencing mental health concerns that are chronic, severe symptoms or there is is imminent risk of harm-to-self or others, it is ethically appropriate for counselors to refer for additional evaluation or specialized treatment options.
If a student is established in a relationship with a community-based treatment provider, counselors will offer to coordinate with provider with a signed release of information as appropriate to provide specific support relevant to needs on the campus on a case by case basis. Treatment services will not be duplicated and must be in collaboration with the community-based provider.
Counselors also provide outreach and education through presentations and workshops for students, student groups and clubs, faculty and staff. Requests can be made by completing a Program Request Form.
Outside Scope of Services
1. Documentation Requests:
- Learning access requests or accommodations due to ADA defined disabilities such as physical or mental impairment that substantially limits functioning in education program, developmental or neurotypical or diverse social/emotional needs;
- Verification of the need for an emotional support animal or comfort animal;
- Medical leaves of absence; or
- Remote learning requests.
It is outside the scope of the Center’s services to offer the comprehensive assessment, diagnostic interviewing, and counseling that is required in order to provide this documentation and may be considered a conflict of interest if the university were providing these types of assessments in house. Counselors are able to support students in identifying clinical community resources who may be able to provide assessments/evaluations and will promote student connection to campus resources. The process for accommodations and learning access supports offered through the Center of Academic Success and Enrichment (CASE) are outlined here Making an Accommodation Request.
2. Mandated Counseling:
Counseling Services does not provide mandated or court-ordered counseling.
If a university official refers a student to Counseling Services, a counselor will assess needs, provide consult and make clinical recommendations as indicated. Students can also be referred for an alcohol or cannabis use assessment, education and feedback sessions. It is always a student’s voluntary choice to receive services through the Student Wellness Center.
If you have any specific questions regarding Counseling Services or would like to schedule an appointment please call (815) 836-5455.
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