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Appointments and Referrals
How do I set up an appointment to see a counselor? top
If you have an issue that you would like to talk with a counselor about, you can make an appointment by calling 392-5475 and scheduling a day and time with department secretary or you can stop by the office located in EN B 219. Appointments are set up on an hourly basis. The first appointment begins at 9:00 am and the last appointment begins at 3:00 pm. Your sessions with a counselor usually last 45 - 50 minutes and are usually scheduled weekly or bi-weekly. As you set goals with your counselor, you will work out a schedule of appointments that works best with your schedule.
Who will know I made an appointment? top
No one - unless you give specific, written consent to a counselor. The counselors in the office and the department secretarial staff are bound by ethics and confidentiality laws that prohibit them from revealing any student information to anyone*.
What if I miss my appointment? top
Cancellations: A personal commitment to the counseling process is critical to its success. We strongly encourage students to keep all appointments made. If you cannot keep an appointment due to illness or other extenuating circumstance, please call as soon as you know you won't be able to make your appointment.
No shows: A student who has not shown up for three appointments will have their file deactivated until they call and make arrangements with a counselor in the center.
*Though rare, there are certain instances where a counselor is required by law to break confidentiality. See confidentiality
How do I join a group? You can inquire about group offerings each semester by top contacting the department secretary. She will give you information regarding group topics, dates, times and facilitators. You can then schedule a screening appointment with the counselor running the group to see if it is appropriate for you. See group counseling section for more details.
How can I refer someone I am concerned about? Guidelines for faculty, staff, parents top and students who may need to refer a student. NOTE: All services provided by University Counseling Services are free, voluntary and confidential (except where mandated by law).
*In the event of a crisis or emergency situation after hours contact University Police at 392-5375 or local emergency services at 911*
University Counseling Services is staffed by qualified professional counselors and senior level graduate interns. Any matriculated student registered at SCSU is eligible for these services. Once an appointment is set up, the student will talk with a counselor about his/her issues and appropriate counseling options, which may include individual counseling, group counseling, or a referral to a community or private agency.
The center is committed to providing counseling services and preventive programs that promote personal, academic, and career development, as well as the psychological well being of students.
In the event that you need to refer a student to our services we have provided the following suggested guidelines for assisting students:
Sum Talk to the student in private (this does not mean you have to close your door if you are not comfortable doing so).
- Listen carefully while showing concern and interest.
- Repeat back the essence of what the student has told you - checking to see if you clearly understand what they are saying.
- Avoid criticizing or sounding judgmental.
- Suggest University Counseling Services as a resource.
- Inform the student that these services are free and confidential.
More specifics on making a referral:
Suggest that the student call (392-5475) or come into University Counseling Services (Englemen B 219) to make an appointment. If you wish to be certain that the student makes an appointment, calling while the student is in your office is often helpful.
Note: Due to client confidentiality laws, we cannot inform you as to whether the student makes or keeps and appointment without the student's written permission. If you consider the situation to be an emergency, please convey this information when contacting University Counseling Services.
Sometimes it is helpful for you to accompany the student to Counseling, and some students may find it comforting for you to wait while they meet with a counselor. If you would like to continue to support the student after the appointment, you can ask the student a non-intrusive question, for example, "How are you doing?" Let the student decide if he/she would like to disclose any information to you. If you are concerned about a student, but are uncertain of the appropriateness of the referral, or the student resists a referral, feel free to contact University Counseling Services and ask to speak to the counselor on call.
Spectrum Psychiatric Services top
University Counseling Services sees many students for a number of issues. There are some cases, however, when a student is in need of psychiatric intervention or services beyond the scope of what is offered in Counseling Services. In these instances, a student may be referred to Spectrum Psychiatric Services or another community or private mental health service.
University Counseling Services refers students to Spectrum Psychiatric Services in need of medication assessment, psychiatric services, and/or hospitalization. A counselor in University Counseling Services makes this determination after a careful assessment.
Spectrum Psychiatric Services is a private agency that is staffed by licensed and trained psychiatrists, clinical social workers, APRN's and psychologists who treat individuals on a wide variety of issues. Some of the treatment they provide include: anxiety disorders, adolescent issues, depression, schizophrenia, alcohol and drug abuse, obsessive/compulsive disorder, eating disorders, sexual disorders, couples/family issues, etc.
The office is located in Hamden. Students who are referred to Spectrum are required to pay for those services. They do take most insurance, including University Sickness Insurance.
If you have any questions regarding Spectrum's services, call University Counseling Services at 392-5475. Our preference is to have you speak to a counselor on campus to assist you in scheduling an appointment for services.
What If It Is An Emergency? top
In the event of an emergency, there is a counselor on call Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm in the office. This counselor is available to speak with students and take inquiries and referrals from administrators, parents, staff and students on these days.
After hours: Individuals in need of immediate assistance should contact University Police at 392-5375, or dial 911 for emergency services.
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