Counseling Services

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do people go to counseling?
2. If I go to counseling, does it mean something is wrong with me?
3. Who can use the Counseling Service, and what does it cost?
4. How long would I have to go for?
5. Can I bring someone with me?
6. How do I make an appointment?
7. What will happen at my first appointment?
   
8. Is it confidential?
   
9. What if I am worried about a friend or family member?

1) Why do people go to counseling?

Students come to counseling for a variety of reasons.  Some common concerns include:

• stress
• anxiety
• low self-confidence
• relationship problems
• depression
• self-harm
• academic concerns
• difficulty with attention and concentration
• substance abuse
• procrastination and perfectionism
• recovery from assault or abuse
• concern about a friend or family member

You may be inspired in your own personal growth and want to use the support of counseling to help you in your process of exploration and understanding about yourself and your world.  Counselors will help you with this as well.

2) If I go to counseling, does it mean something is wrong with me?

No.  Counseling is not just for those who suffer from serious psychological or emotional problems.  The college years are an exciting, but sometimes stressful time.  Many students encounter situations that are challenging and confusing, or their usual ways of handling problems may not be working well for some reason.  Every one of us experiences challenges from time to time that can be difficult to sort out or cope with alone and when we could benefit from talking with a caring, professional listener.  It’s perfectly normal for any of us to want or need assistance at times.

3) Who can use the Counseling Service, and what does it cost?

Any LSSU student currently enrolled in 9 credits or more can use Counseling Services.  If you have a partner or friend, only one of you needs to meet these eligibility criteria.  All services are free of charge.

4) How long would I have to go for?

There is no set number of sessions that are required.  You and your counselor will work together to determine the number and frequency of sessions.  Some concerns are best handled with several counseling sessions.  However, it is also possible that after one session you leave the appointment feeling able to handle things without additional counseling.

5) Can I bring someone with me?

Yes.  You may feel more comfortable, at least for the first session, bringing a friend with you.  Do what is most comfortable for you.  Your friend may also be able to help you get started in counseling or can help tell your story for the first time.

6) How do I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment by calling (906)635-2752 between 8:00am and 5pm every weekday.  The receptionist at the front desk will help you find a time to meet with a counselor that works with your schedule.  Most often, appointments can be arranged within the next 3-7 days.

7) What will happen at my first appointment?

You will fill out paperwork and meet with a counselor.

Meeting with the counselor:  You will meet with a counselor who will talk with you about the ways in which the Counseling Services might be able to help  Options may include individual, couples or group counseling, and/or referral to another campus service or community resource.

Paperwork:  Before your first visit with a counselor, you will be asked to complete paperwork that takes about 10 – 15 minutes.  This paperwork can be downloaded from our website. You can come into Counseling Services early and complete the paperwork or pick it up from the receptionist to complete at home and bring it to your first appointment.

8) Is it confidential?

Yes.  All counseling sessions are confidential and are not part of a student's record.  Counseling Services will not release information regarding your use of our services without your written consent.  This means that under normal circumstances, no one outside the Counseling Services is given any information – even the fact that you have been here – without your written consent.  Parents, teachers, and other University staff outside the Counseling Center may not have access to information about your contacts here without your permission.  You are protected by confidentiality laws, and we will not break these laws unless your situation meets one of the legal limitations to confidentiality.  For details regarding these limitations to confidentiality, please read our full Confidentiality Policy (link).

9) What if I am worried about a friend or family member?

Often it is helpful for students to share their worries about friends or family members, and we encourage you to make an appointment at Counseling Services to do this.  You will be able to speak confidentially with a counselor and receive advice about how to deal with your concerns about this person.