Frequently Asked Questions
Note: Hover mouse over the question to see the answer.
What is counseling and when is it helpful? Counseling allows individuals to explore their concerns with objective, non-judgmental, and trained counselor to work toward self improvement. Counseling can also help identify solutions to problems which were not previously identified.
For counseling to be most effective, students need to take an active role in the process. Participation involves active listening, being honest, discussing personal concerns and a commitment to the process. Rather than providing students with ready-made answers, our counselors will help them explore their own needs and solutions.
The reasons students come to counseling are as varied as the individuals involved. Some of the reasons include:
- Family & home problems
- Romantic relationships
- Conflict resolution
- Making decisions
- Self-esteem
- Depression & loneliness
- Sexual concerns
- Alcohol & drug problems
- Academic/exam problems
- Sexual preference issues
- Transitional issues
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Crisis intervention
- Stress management
- Eating disorders
- Rape/incest survivor
Is counseling confidential? Does it become part of my academic record? Yes, the information students share in a counseling relationship is confidential and cannot be shared with others. The following situation are exceptions: 1) students authorize release of information in written form, 2) if the counselor determines student is presenting with serious and foreseeable threat to themselves or to someone else, 3) cases involving suspected child abuse/neglect, 4) counselor is consulting with other counseling professionals to discuss a student’s treatment.
The Center’s counseling records are confidential and separate from both academic and health records. All information about students, even acknowledgement of their visits, are confidential and cannot be released to any other office or individual (even parents or faculty) without the student’s written permission.
What will the initial appointment entail? The initial appointment will consist of an intake interview with one of our counselors. During the interview the counselor will be asking questions regarding the student's needs and concerns. At the end of the interview, the counselor will make suggestions about service(s) most appropriate for assisting the student. The counselor may determine that it is best for the student to receive off campus treatment. Students would then be responsible for any fees incurred for treatment and insurance coverage is very helpful in such cases.
How do I make an appointment? What hours are available for appointments? Students can either stop in our office in the lower level of Mother Teresa Residence Hall or call (815) 836- 5455. We do not set up appointments thru email. Counseling appointments are made on the hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. All students coming to the Center for the first time are asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to their appointment time, when possible, in order to fill out some paperwork, including basic information such as address, phone number, e-mail address, etc. Students will also be asked to read an informed consent regarding the counseling process, appointments and confidentiality and to sign your name indicating that you agree to these terms.
Is there a charge for counseling services? Do I need insurance to use the services? There are no charges for the services provided by the Center for Health and Counseling Services staff. Therefore, no insurance is necessary to use our services. However, there are cases where students are best served with an off campus provider in which, insurance is very useful and helpful.
If I feel I need to speak to someone right away, is that possible? What do I do in an emergency during non-business hours? If there is immediate urgency, we will do all we can to meet with you. Students are asked when making appointments if it is an emergency and if the answer is yes, then arrangements will be made to have a counselor see the student as soon as possible. For emergencies after hours on the Romeoville campus, you may contact campus security at x5911. For all emergencies off the Romeoville campus, you should call 911.
What can I do if I am worried about a friend? We encourage students to consult with Center staff if they are worried about a friend or roommate. Students can consult confidentially with a counselor about a friend and receive advice about how to deal with a troubling situation. Consultations can be obtained by contacting the Center during business hours at (815) 836-5455.
How long are the appointments and how many times would I normally with the counselor? Counseling appointments are typically 45 minutes long. The number of times students meet with the counselor is determined by the issue the student presents. Some students only need to meet a few times to deal with their presenting problem, while others need to work on their issues over a longer period of time.
Does the Center prescribe medication for psychological issues like depression, anxiety, or bi-polar disorder? If the best course of treatment for the student includes the use of medication, the counselor working with the student would provide information regarding securing that medication. Normally, that involves a psychiatric evaluation with an off campus treatment provider and the student is then responsible for all fees incurred.
What are the qualifications of the Center’s counseling staff? The members of the counseling staff are licensed clinicians in the state of Illinois. Therefore, they are bound by their licensure to follow regulated ethics regarding confidentiality, privileged communication, professional responsibility, the counseling relationship, etc. They have a combined clinical counseling experience of over twenty years.
