Counseling Services

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Counseling Services FAQ

What is Counseling Services?

Counseling Services is a department within the division of Student Affairs. We are staffed by professional psychologists and counselors trained to help you acquire more effective skills for coping with the challenges and problems of living. Our staff is committed to meeting the special needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including differences of culture, race, gender, ability and sexual orientation.

Counseling Services provides psychotherapy and counseling to students coping with educational, personal, and/or interpersonal issues; offers crisis intervention for students; and serves as a practicum site for students enrolled in masters-level clinical psychology and related programs.

The office provides sexual assault counseling and advocacy for students, and alcohol and drug information to the campus community. The counseling staff is committed to helping students adjust to living and learning in a university environment and to realize their worth and potential. Student counseling is conducted in a private setting, and all information remains confidential according to Illinois law.

What is counseling?

Counseling can involve short-term problem resolution or longer, more intensive psychotherapy. It can be useful to those with mild difficulty in their lives as well as those with more serious or longstanding problems. A variety of concerns, such as relationships, self-image, depression, values, eating disorders, and alcohol or drug dependency can be discussed in counseling.

Who can use Counseling Services?

Services are available to all SIUE students currently enrolled and paying student fees. Consultation services regarding students of concern are available to students, faculty and staff at SIUE.

How do I know if I need counseling?

People seek counseling for a wide range of problems. For example, some people come to get help with a difficult decision and others come because they feel overwhelmed by the stressors in their lives. Some common reasons for coming to counseling include relationship problems, academic anxieties, feeling unusually sad, irritability, sleep problems, eating problems, having a hard time paying attention, feeling lonely, suicidal thoughts, and worrying too much.

How do I get started?

The best way to start is by walking in to Counseling and Health Services for a Behavioral Health Consult appointment. Feel free to contact us at 618-650-2842 with any questions.

How much do counseling services cost?

Our services are free to students currently enrolled and paying student fees.

Where is Counseling Services located?

We are located in the Student Success Center, Lower Level, in the Counseling and Health Services suite Room 0220. The Student Success Center is adjacent and connected to the Morris University Center.

When is Counseling Services open?

Our hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

What about confidentiality?

Counseling services are confidential. We will not give any information to anyone without your written consent. This includes your parents and other offices or departments in the university. Our records are defined as confidential medical records by both state and federal law. There are a few exceptions to the rules of confidentiality. These include cases of child or elder abuse or neglect, court orders to release information, or situations where we believe the client is a serious and immediate danger to self or others. Please feel free to discuss your questions about privacy and confidentiality with your counselor.

What if I have a drug or alcohol problem?

Personal problems related to substance use are frequently addressed in counseling. Counseling Services does not provide substance abuse treatment, but we will assist in referring to a community provider.

What do I do if there is a mental health emergency?

Counseling Services provides crisis intervention for students who are experiencing a mental health crisis. During normal working hours, students may walk in for a same day appointment to discuss urgent situations. Our staff is available for emergencies and consultations from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m on Fridays. For assistance after normal working hours, please use crisis resources.

Does Counseling Services write letters of support for ESAs (Emotional Support Animals)?

Counseling Services clinicians do not provide documentation advocating for approval of Emotional Support Animals. Having an ESA is considered a third line of clinical treatment when therapy and psycho-pharmacology do not provide relief from signs and symptoms of a mental health diagnosis. For that reason, students must see their Primary Care Provider (PCP), Psychiatrist, or a qualified mental health professional off campus. For additional information about accommodations made for ESAs, please go to the ACCESS website HERE.

Does Counseling Services write letters of advocacy for financial aid appeals, scholarship appeals, housing accommodations, or housing contract releases?

This is a service that can be provided if the student is, or has been, under the clinical care of a counselor in our office. Please contact our office (618) 650-2842 for additional information or to schedule a consultation appointment to further discuss what is needed.