FAQs
What is counseling?
Counseling is a process where someone asks for help due to problems of emotional nature from a professional who is trained in counseling. The professional will try to help the person seeking therapy to cope with the problem, and to mature and learn more about himself or herself. Counseling can be one or more sessions weekly and can last for several weeks depending on the goals set by the therapist and the person seeking therapy, and on the severity of the issue.
Should I see a counselor?
In the course of a lifetime, most of us feel stressed out, depressed, or anxious. Sometimes a friend or family can offer help, but there are times when their help is not sufficient and the problems persist. Counseling provides a safe environment for you to explore those issues that are experienced. Additionally, counseling can provide information and other resources that may be beneficial to you. The college years, in particular, are exciting but they can also be very stressful. Most students encounter problems that they can’t easily resolve. You may want to talk to a therapist if you have been:
- Drinking too much alcohol or using drugs
- Experiencing a change in your eating habits
- Sleeping differently
- Having problems in your concentration
- Experiencing decision-making problems
- Displaying dramatic mood swings
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Exposed to sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
- Having distressing feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, or depression that are affecting different aspects of everyday life
- Experiencing low self-esteem & developing a more positive self-image
- Suffering from conflicts in relationships with family, friends, or co-workers
- Experiencing a traumatic event, like a death of a loved one, or divorce
- Thinking about suicide
- Relationship difficulties
- Roommate Conflicts
- Relaxation
- Eating Disorders
Why would a student want to use counseling services?
- Counseling services is a safe place to get help from experienced professionals.
- Counselors are open-minded, objective helpers.
- Counselors try to put you at ease in talking and help you to overcome your initial anxiety.
- Services in the counseling center involve the concerns of normal students.
- Initiating counseling and staying in counseling is voluntary.
- Attending counseling doesn’t go on your transcript or other official University record
- Counseling is confidential (with the exceptions of self-harm, harm to others, child/elderly abuse, as set forth in ethical guidelines)
- Counseling is FREE!
What types of services are offered?
The counseling center provides an unlimited number of professional, short-term counseling services to all university students, faculty and staff. These services include:
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Couple counseling
- Family counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Responding to requests from individuals, campus groups, or departments in need of information, advice, or customized programming on timely issues.
Who is eligible for services and what are the fees?
All currently registered University students, faculty, and staff are eligible for counseling services. Our services are offered free of charge.
Is there a limit to the number of sessions I can attend?
Currently enrolled university students, faculty, and staff can attend an unlimited number of counseling sessions free-of-charge.
What do I need to do in order to see a counselor?
Appointments can be made by calling the center at 337-482-6480 or stopping by the center located within the Saucier Wellness Center (OK Allen Hall). We will make every effort to give you an appointment as soon as possible based on counselor availability and your schedule. If you have an emergency, please let the office staff know so that a counselor can meet with you as soon as possible. Counseling sessions are up to 50 minutes in length and are typically scheduled at the top of the hour. We will make every effort to work around school and work schedules.
What are your office hours?
Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday, 7:30 am to 12:30 pm.
What if I have an emergency during lunch, after hours, or holidays?
We provide a counselor-on-call 24 hours a day/7 days a week in case of emergencies. The counselor on call can be reached by contacting the University Police at 337-482-6447 and letting them know that you would like to speak with the counselor on call. The police will take your name and phone number and then contact the counselor on call who will get in touch with you as soon as possible.