In most situations, counselors will not disclose that they know you, know personal information about you, or indicate that you receive counseling services. They will not talk with your family, faculty, friends, etc... unless you have signed a Release of Information authorizing them to do so. Creating/Maintaining a safe environment is important so that students are willing to seek out services and talk about their concerns openly during sessions. The Release of Information/Counseling Records Release can be found in your Patient Portal under "Forms."
Counseling Services maintains records as regulated by the state of South Carolina Medical Health Code. Maintenance of records is in accordance with professional, legal, and ethical guidelines. Other than authorized staff, no one has access to these records unless students provide a release in writing. *Counseling records do not become part of academic files.* Conversations with counselors, records, and the results of psychological tests are considered confidential. If a student wants this information shared with any person outside of Counseling Services, he/she/they must sign a release of information.
However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality. Counselors are legally bound to disclose information if there is a danger that a student may harm him/herself or another person, if there is suspected abuse or neglect of children or the elderly, or if records are subpoenaed in a court of law. Please feel free to talk to a counselor if you have questions concerning confidentiality issues.
We welcome your interest and contact while also valuing your privacy. Note that email is not an appropriate method for individual questions regarding personal/confidential issues. It may be used for requesting general information regarding services, resources, or other campus information. If you choose to use email to communicate with your therapist, please understand the limitations of doing so. We encourage you to use the Secure Message feature on the Patient Portal to discuss information related to your treatment. Neither email nor secure messaging should be used in emergencies. In those situations, please come to the Wellness Center, call Campus Safety, or call 911. *Email should not be used for urgent communication of any sort.*
*Counseling sessions are provided free of charge to enrolled students at Wofford.* Students with concerns that may require long-term individual therapy or that are beyond our counselors' scope of practice will be provided with resources/referrals to mental health professionals in the community. If you are referred off campus for psychological services, you will be responsible for any fees you may incur. Your health insurance may cover these services.
Medications are often useful in treating and managing symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and other conditions. In some circumstances, students may need follow-up visits and refills taken care of locally while in college. The Wellness Center staff can assist with referrals in the community or collaborate with on-campus medical staff. If you are already working with a counselor, they can discuss your options with you. If you are not working with a counselor, you can contact us to learn more about what may work best for you. Our on-campus medical staff can often assist students with their medication needs; however, in some situations, we will need to refer you to doctors in the community. We do have limited access to a psychiatrist, but students must being seeing one of the counselors at the Wellness Center in order to access the on-campus psychiatric services.
*The Wellness Center does not prescribe or refill ADHD medications.* See below for information on how to find a provider and/or local physicians that prescribe medication:
Find a Provider:
Local Prescribing Physicians (ADHD):
Some people also choose to search on Psychology Today to find a provider in their area.
*The Wellness Center does not provide diagnostic testing for ADHD or Learning Disabilities.* For psychoeducational testing, you would need to seek an off-campus provider. Listed below are local providers that may be able to provide psychoeducational testing (diagnostic testing for ADHD, Learning Disabilities, etc...). Costs vary depending on the provider.