To schedule an appointment, use our online appointment scheduling program by going to the Patient Portal and selecting
Prior to your first counseling visit, you will be asked to complete a confidential client intake form, which gives us a better idea about your background, the reason for seeking counseling and any concerns that you may have. Completing this form will help our staff know more about you and your situation so that goals can be set to guide your sessions.
During your first session, the counselor will review with you the informed consent. This outlines the responsibilities and duties of both the counselor and the student. It will be placed in your confidential file.
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 unless students release them in writing. The records do not become part of academic files. Conversations with counselors, records and the results of psychological tests are considered strictly confidential. If a student wants any of this information shared with any person outside of Counseling Services, he/she must sign a release of information.
There are some exceptions to this policy. Counselors are legally bound to disclose information if there is a danger that a student may harm him/herself or another person. Counselors also are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect of children and the elderly. Records may have to be released if they are subpoenaed in a court of law. Please talk to the counselor if you have questions concerning confidentiality issues.
We welcome your interest and contact. We also value your privacy. Note that email is not an appropriate method for individual questions regarding personal and 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 emergency situations. In those situations, please come to the Wellness Center, call Campus Safety, or call 911.
Confidentiality is essential to the counseling process and cannot be assured with email. Email should not be used for urgent communication of any sort. If time is of particular concern for you, please call Counseling Services.
There is no charge for Counseling Services. Students with issues that may require long-term individual therapy will be referred to mental health professionals in the community. If you are referred off campus for psychological services, you will be responsible for any fees that you may incur. Your health insurance may cover these services.
Medications are often useful in treating and managing symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder 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.