Common Pre-Counseling Questions

The following information has been compiled for students who are thinking about counseling and/or coming to University Counseling Services (UCS). Below are common questions that we have received from students 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.

Do I need counseling?
Could my problem be “too small” for counseling?
What brings people in for counseling?
Is it unusual for Truman students to come in for counseling at UCS?
What do I do next once I decide I want to try counseling?
What is an intake?
Will my parents know that I am in counseling?
Will other people at Truman know that I am seeking services at UCS?
What if I am not 18 years of age?
What does it mean that information at UCS is kept confidential?
What is the normal process of counseling?
How long will I be in counseling?
What can I expect in counseling?
What types of counseling services are available at UCS?
Can my partner/significant other and I come in for relationship counseling even if he/she isn’t a Truman student?
Can I receive medication from UCS?
Who are the counselors at UCS and what are their credentials?
Is there a cost for services at UCS?

Do I need counseling?

If you believe something is bothering you and it is interfering with your ability to function at your best, counseling may be helpful for you. Many people find that speaking with a third party to be awkward at first, but then find it very helpful to receive an unbiased perspective in addition to learning healthier coping skills. If you would like to take an online screening for Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, and Alcohol Abuse to help you determine if you would like to seek professional help, please click here: UCS Screenings

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Could my problem be “too small” for counseling?

No problem is too small if it is creating a disruption in your ability to live your life as you would like. Every person who comes to UCS is treated with respect no matter what the presenting concern.

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What brings people in for counseling?

People come to counseling for a variety of reasons. Those reasons include, but are not limited to: depression, stress, anxiety, conflicts with roommates, relationship issues, grief, substance abuse, eating concerns, worrying, lack of concentration, academic concerns, and family issues.

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Is it unusual for Truman students to come in for counseling at UCS?

Not really. During the 2006-2007 academic year, almost 8% of the student body came to UCS for personal counseling services. When we review the utilization of UCS by the student body throughout their 4 years at Truman, approximately 25% of Truman students visit UCS for personal counseling services.

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What do I do next once I decide I want to try counseling?

You may either call or stop by our office to schedule an intake appointment.

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What is an intake?

An intake is the initial appointment during which a counselor will gather information regarding your presenting concerns, what you are seeking from UCS, and how UCS may be of assistance for you. Intakes are not designed to go in-depth on your stated concerns; your ongoing counseling sessions are designed for that to help you achieve your goals.

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Will my parents know that I am in counseling?

No. No one needs to know or will know that you are in counseling unless you want them to. You would need to sign a release of information form if you believe it would be beneficial for your counselor to have contact with a designated person. Otherwise, all information is kept confidential and no one will be told that you are in counseling, not even your parents.

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Will other people at Truman know that I am seeking services at UCS?

No. Due to confidentiality, UCS will not share your records or attendance with anyone on campus including faculty, staff, other students or even the President of Truman. You would need to sign a release of information in order for UCS to have a professional conversation with anyone else at Truman regarding your contact with us.

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What if I am not 18 years of age?

Missouri law requires, with certain exceptions, that any unemancipated minor receive counseling only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. If you are under 18 years of age and would like to receive counseling, please contact our office to schedule a consultation appointment so that one of our counselors can review your options with you.

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What does it mean that information at UCS is kept confidential?

All interactions with UCS, including attendance of appointments, content of your sessions, progress in counseling, and your records are not shared with anyone outside of UCS (including parents, faculty and staff members). Your records are electronically stored securely at UCS and are not contained in any academic, educational, or job placement file. The only exceptions to maintaining confidentiality are 1) there is clear and imminent danger to self and/or others, 2) we strongly suspect physical abuse, sexual abuse and/or neglect of a minor or incapacitated adult, or 3) we are issued a court order by a judge and are required by law to testify in a court hearing.

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What is the normal process of counseling?

Counseling typically consists of meeting with your counselor for 50 minutes once each week during a pre-designated standing weekly time. You will work with your counselor during that time on the concerns you have presented as a problem for you.

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How long will I be in counseling?

Although the actual time frame will be determined by you and your counselor, typically counseling is complete when you believe you have addressed your concerns so that they are no longer a problem for you and/or you have established effective coping skills to manage your symptoms. This may take one session or it may require continuing with counseling until the end of the school year. It is worth noting that the average client at UCS during 2006-07 met for 5.17 sessions (not including the intake) and almost 80% of our clients met for 10 sessions or less.

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What can I expect in counseling?

You can expect to be challenged to think about a different perspective or to make difficult changes. It may be uncomfortable at times due to facing difficult situations or emotions but you will always be treated with respect.

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What types of counseling services are available at UCS?

UCS offers individual counseling, couples/relationship counseling, and group counseling. Your intake counselor may recommend group counseling as an effective treatment for your stated concerns. For more information about group counseling, please visit: UCS Groups