Common After Counseling Questions

The following information has been compiled for former clients of University Counseling Services (UCS). Below are common questions that we have received from former clients inquiring about counseling. Some of these may not be relevant or of interest to you but we wanted to provide you with as much information as possible to make you more comfortable with UCS and counseling.

What happens once my counselor and I determine that I have achieved my goals and no longer need counseling?
Can I come back to UCS if I need counseling again?
Will I be able to meet with the same counselor?
If I come back to counseling at UCS, may I meet with a different counselor?
What happens to my records when I am done with counseling?
Can I access my records?
I am now seeing a non-UCS mental health professional. How do I get my UCS records sent to this professional?
Do I need to come to Kirksville to sign a release of information to get my records sent to another mental health professional?
What happens if my job requires a mental health background check?
Are my records at UCS part of my insurance health records?

What happens once my counselor and I determine that I have achieved my goals and no longer need counseling?

Once you and your counselor make a decision that you have achieved your counseling goals, your standing appointment will be given to another student and your file will be inactivated. You will then receive an email message requesting that you complete an anonymous on-line evaluation of your counselor and your experience at UCS.

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Can I come back to UCS if I need counseling again?

Yes, you may return to UCS at any time as long as you are currently enrolled at Truman. Your file will be re-activated and you will need to complete paperwork to update your file.

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Will I be able to meet with the same counselor?

Most likely, yes. The only reasons that would necessitate you meeting with another counselor would be if you requested to work with another counselor or if you were in crisis and needed to meet with a counselor and your counselor was unavailable.

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If I come back to counseling at UCS, may I meet with a different counselor?

Yes, you may request to meet with a different counselor when you contact UCS to schedule your intake appointment.

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What happens to my records when I am done with counseling?

According to the requirements of the State of Missouri, seven years after the last activity on your file your file will either be shredded or deleted depending on source of your file.

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Can I access my records?

If you would like to review your records, you are welcome to meet with your counselor, the Director of UCS or the Assistant Director of UCS in order to discuss questions or concerns you may have. However, due to confidentiality, you will need to sign a release of information if you would like a copy of your records sent to another professional party.

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I am now seeing a non-UCS mental health professional. How do I get my UCS records sent to this professional?

The mental health professional with whom you are working will need to request a copy of your records and send a release of information form signed by you permitting us to provide the information.

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Do I need to come to Kirksville to sign a release of information to get my records sent to another mental health professional?

No. You may call UCS and request that we mail or fax a release of information form to you if you are unable to visit our office.