It is our hope that you, the parents, will look upon Student Counseling as a positive support for your student. Much like Student Health services, we exist to help ease your student's pain. Unlike the health center, we don't only deal with "sick" students.
The normal developing college age person has a heavy burden imposed on them in this stage of their life. They are asked to choose a career, be on the lookout for that special partner, separate from their parents and learn to live on their own, make new friends, perform well over and over again on tests and often earn enough money to make college enrollment possible.
Our primary role in this office is to support them in succeeding well in these life tasks. To this end we bring seminars to the entire student body, as well as individual classes, on such topics as stress and time management, relationships, and choosing a career.
Of course, there are times when the pressures get to students and they may feel the need for personal counseling. At such times we enter into a strictly confidential arrangement with the student and are unable to disclose any information to anyone unless we have the express written permission of the student. This is really a good thing because it often relaxes the student and allows them to explore very personal issues.
The therapist and student will work together to determine what possible treatment plan options are best suited for their needs. Referrals to specialists are made whenever necessary; typically, when this is called for, the student is encouraged to bring their parents into the total therapy situation.
Minors (under the age of 18) require a parent/legal guardian to sign an informed consent in person prior to the first counseling session. If the parents are divorced, only the legal parent with the right to make healthcare decisions can sign the consent and a copy of the most current court-approved parenting plan must be submitted prior to the start of therapy.
Our philosophy of helping strongly emphasizes the need for a strong support system. We view your support as a key element in encouraging your student to get the most out of college life and/or to bring them through the troubled times. Should you ever wish to call a counselor and discuss any issue of concern related to your student's well-being, please do so.
Contact one of our staff for further questions.