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FAQ

WHAT IS COUNSELING?

Counseling is a process in which you can talk about your problems with a trained professional in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. You may be asked questions to help you understand your concerns in a new way. The goal of counseling is to help you find options and make healthy choices to solve problems, and therefore to feel better. The therapist will support you, and may also challenge yourself to explore issues that may help lead to problem resolution and increases in functioning.

IS COUNSELING CONFIDENTIAL?

Any information that you share with us, as well as attendance of any appointments and your presence in our office, is confidential. Nothing is placed on your transcript or any other academic record, nor is it shared with other campus offices, family members, or friends. To learn more about confidentiality and its limits, please go here.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE SERVICES?

You must be a currently enrolled, full-time student or DARC student in order to receive counseling services from us during the Fall and Spring semester. You must be enrolled in at least one (1) credit to receive services during that summer term. If this does not apply to you at this time, or if you are a part-time student, you may seek counseling services within the local community. Please contact us if you need help with this, and we would be happy to provide you with some referral information or offer a consultation appointment to support you with learning how to find a community provider.

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Please call us at 219.464.5002, or come to our office during our business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–5 p.m., except holidays). No appointments are made online. Please go here to learn more about the first appointment/Intake Assessment.

DO YOU HAVE CRISIS COUNSELING?

We are available during our business hours to help you if you are in crisis. Please call ahead, if possible, and let us know that you are in crisis and are walking over to our office. When you arrive, a therapist will help you as soon as he/she is available. Examples of crisis situations include:

  • Thoughts and plans of suicide
  • Thoughts and plans of hurting yourself or others
  • Not having slept or eaten in several days (not due to illness)
  • Not having gone to class or left your room in several days (not due to illness)

If you are experiencing a crisis and we are not open, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You may also call a crisis hotline, such as 1.800.273.TALK (8255), or go to your RA or RLC if you are in a residence hall.

If someone needs immediate medical attention, is threatening or has attempted suicide, or is an immediate threat to you or others, please call 911 immediately.

HOW MUCH DO SERVICES COST?

There is no charge for counseling.

DO YOU PROVIDE ADHD TESTING?

We do not provide any testing for ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). If needed, we can assist you in finding a community provider that conducts this type of testing.

WHAT IF I JUST NEED A PRESCRIPTION?

The Counseling Center does not offer psychiatric medications or prescriptions. We will consult with students to support them in finding options to engage in medication services. We will also work with medication providers to support cohesive care and information sharing when appropriate at the students request. 

HOW LONG DOES COUNSELING LAST?

This depends on your presenting concerns and goals for counseling, which you will discuss with your therapist. What is most important is that you are actively working toward your goals. Our appointments generally last up to 50 minutes.

WHAT IF I’M NOT COMFORTABLE WITH MY THERAPIST?

A trusting relationship with your therapist is important so that you may explore your concerns openly and honestly. If you feel uncomfortable or have concerns about the work you are doing, please discuss these issues with your therapist. This will make your counseling experience more productive and worthwhile. Counselors typically can offer a range of approaches and discussing what’s working or not working can optimize a match to your needs. When appropriate you may also meet with the Assistant Director, Clinical Services Administrator who can support you with healing your relationship with your current counselor, changing your counselor or finding a community provider who better suits your needs.