What are others asking?

Confidentiality

Communication between the student and the staff of the Counseling and Psychological Services Center is confidential and will not be disclosed without your written permission. The law in the State of Florida provides the following exceptions.

• If the therapist has knowledge of child, elder, or a person with disability abuse.
• If the therapist has knowledge of intent to harm himself/herself or others.
• If the therapist receives a court order to the contrary.
• If the therapist or graduate student in training is supervised or consults with another clinical or counseling psychologist or mental health counselor within the center.

How many sessions am I eligible for?

The Center offers short term therapeutic services to address a specific area of concern which is determined during the initial interview.

Is my spouse or partner eligible for services?

Your spouse or partner are eligible for services if she/he is a registered student.

What is better individual or group therapy?

Neither type of therapy is better. Both individual and group therapy are beneficial. The therapist in conjunction with the student will determine the appropriate type of therapy.

Will my counseling records be a part of my academic record?

All counseling records are confidential and are not part of the academic record.

Do some graduate schools, professional board or regulatory agencies request counseling records?

Yes some graduate schools, professional board or regulatory agencies request counseling records. It is your decision to acknowledge whether you have received therapy when asked. However, the Center can only release information with your written permission.

What can I expect at my first visit?

When you first come to the Center, you will initially be seen as a walk-in appointment. This is usually a short appointment in which you meet with a therapist for a general screening of your concerns. Then you will be scheduled for an intake appointment. You will be asked to come fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled appointment to fill out forms. The information you give on the forms will help the therapist know the reason(s) you have sought our services and how he/she can assist you. After you have completed the forms, the therapist will review them before meeting with you. The therapist will introduce him/herself to you and take you to a private office where you will spend approximately an hour and a half. At this first session you will be asked to clarify your situation and past history. This is usually called an evaluation. After the evaluation is complete, a recommendation will be discussed with you and arrangements will be made to begin appropriately addressing your needs. We will make effort to see that you receive the best affordable care whether it is on or off campus.

Is there a charge for services?

There is no fee for therapy provided on campus. However should you require services not available on campus you will be referred off campus to an appropriate agency. You will be responsible for the off campus agency's fees. The Center has a list of agencies that provide services on sliding fee scale.