Personal Counseling

All students attending school in the United States are protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Under HIPAA, therapy or counseling treatment records are not available to anyone other than the professional providing the treatment, or to physicians or other appropriate professionals of the student's choice. Prior written consent from the student is necessary before any treatment records are released.  

Visits to the office of academic support and counseling are confidential. Significant information related to your academic progress may only be shared with the dean of students with your approval. All counseling notations are completely confidential and do not become part of your university record. With a few exceptions, which we will discuss with you, your student record can only be released with your written permission. 

When you call a behavioral health center, the receptionist will take your name, address, student information, and ask why you are calling. If you can speak to the clinician directly on the phone, take a few minutes to ask about their philosophy and approach to working with patients, and whether they have a specialty or concentration. 

Please use the checklist below to set your goals for a first conversation. Many of these questions will probably be covered without your asking, but if not, do not be afraid to ask. 

• What academic qualifications and training have prepared you to practice as a therapist? 

• How do you ensure that confidentiality will be maintained? 

• What specialized training and/or experience have you had in working with the issue I am dealing with? 

• How are health insurance claims handled? 

• What type of therapy do you offer? 

• Can you prescribe medication? If not, what arrangements do you have for doing so? 

• What are your office protocols for booking appointments, payments for missed appointments, emergencies, etc.? 

• Can you accommodate my academic or work schedule? 

• Can you give me a brief explanation as to what I can expect to happen in my first session? 

If a specific characteristic in a therapist is important to you, such as gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or age, we encourage you to state this during your intake call. Most clinics will do the best they can to accommodate your requests. You may want to see your primary care physician to rule out any physical causes of your symptoms. If your thyroid is “sluggish,” for example, symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue could be mistaken for depression. Be sure the therapist takes a unique approach to each patient’s treatment. An important element of successful therapy is rapport. After your first visit, reflect on how you feel about your therapist.

If you have never been in therapy before, it is natural to feel a little nervous and the first session might feel intense. When you get into the counseling center, you check-in for your appointment just like any other doctor’s visit. They may ask you to fill out a form about family history, insurance, and your reasons for seeking therapy. If you use a referral to a provider that is not on the list provided by your insurance company, you may be asked how you plan to finance the visit. When you arrive, you may be asked for your insurance cards or who is responsible for payments.  

During the first session you can expect to discuss the difficulties that brought you to therapy, your symptoms, any changes in your life, your personal and family health history, and any drug, alcohol, or tobacco use. The therapist may have time to ask about your childhood, education, relationships, current living situation, and ability to function in school. These questions may seem invasive and uncomfortable but remember that this information informs your therapist’s treatment plan, so it is best to answer honestly.  You may also discuss length of treatment, the methods the therapist uses, and patient confidentiality. At the end, the therapist may ask if you have any questions. 

The length of therapy varies from patient-to-patient. The goal is to help you develop ways to cope with issues that are affecting your school performance and impacting your relationships. If the therapist believes you have psychiatric symptoms, they may ask you to complete a questionnaire to diagnose your condition. Once your therapist develops a diagnosis, they will discuss treatment options and may recommend medication or ask you to speak with a psychiatrist, who may recommend medication. Only psychiatrists, other doctors, and in some instances certain other medical professionals can prescribe medication. You have a right to a full explanation of the diagnosis, prognosis, and the nature and consequences of the proposed treatment, including risks, benefits, and alternatives. If you have questions or concerns, do not be afraid to ask.