Student Counseling Services

If you are thinking about seeing a counselor, you probably need to see one, whether you need help with academics and/or with more personal matters

I am basically being forced to come here. That's the ONLY reason I'm here, because I AM NOT CRAZY!!!!

This may not sound like a question, but frequently there is a hidden fear that if things are 'so bad' that someone is receiving counseling she/he must be crazy. This is true especially if that is what you've been told. NOT TRUE! Most students come to the Counseling Center because of a crisis which they may or may not have precipitated themselves; conflicts with others that are not resolving simply; conflicts with persons whose value systems and behavior are radically new, incomprehensible, and problematic to the student; heartbreak; anxiety; depression – unshakable blues that are affecting many areas of functioning; homesickness and being less ready than they thought to be on their own; loss and grief; and basic phase of life/developmental challenges because of moving from adolescence to young adulthood. These things, plus all the academic work, plus sleep deprivation, plus negative thoughts can definitely distort reality.

What can a student expect during a typical personal counseling session?

Students who are seen by the Student Counselor can expect to be treated with respect regardless of the reason they are being seen. The counselor assist students to express, understand, and find appropriate solutions for their concerns.

How many times can I see the Mental Health Counselor?

It depends upon the nature of the problem as well as on your personal effort and management. We provide counseling on short-term and long-term basis, again depending upon the problem.

Will I have to pay for the services I receive at the SCAS?

I’ve always heard that if your faith is real and strong, you don’t need to have counseling. Is that true?

We respond to questions of faith with great care and respect. We believe that one's faith is central to identity, What is important to us is to help students understand and incorporate their faith in the dynamic development of self-concept that occurs in the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.

What shall I do? Please, just tell me what to do!

Counselors' most important routine job is to help students access their own strength, creativity and wisdom for right now. We do not tell you what you should do. We do help weigh options. We listen carefully and reflectively; therefore, on the basis of what students have disclosed and explored, we can sometimes say, "Based on what you've been saying, it seems that X, Y, and Z are possible options. What do you think?" Then we can propose strategies and resources to help with the options the student chooses.

Would you also prescribe medicine?

NO, we do not prescribe medicine our first preference is to handle the situation through counseling only. However in those cases which are severe and counseling seems to be ineffective then the choice would be of medication. We have a team of expert doctors at Health Centre who have good experience to manage the severe psychiatric illnesses. Most importantly no step for medication would be taken without your consent.