Frequently Asked Questions

I’m in crisis and need to talk to a counselor right now!

We are located at 623 W. Easterday Avenue. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm. Come to our front desk and our receptionist will assist you in connecting with a counselor.

If it is outside our office hours, consider these crisis resources: War Memorial Hospital Emergency Room; 911; LSSU Public Safety at 906-635-2100; Local 24 Hour Crisis Line 1-800-839-9443; National Suicide Lifeline 1-800-273-8255; to text anonymously with the Crisis Text Line, text “hello” to 741741.

What are the steps for getting a counseling appointment?

  1. Contact Counseling Services. Let us know you want an appointment. Phone: 906-635-2752, email or stop by our front desk at 623 W. Easterday Ave.
  2. Schedule an appointment. Our receptionist will find a day and time that works for you. You will be asked for your name, phone number, and email address.
  3. Check your email. You will receive a Welcome Email. The email address you provide will be used to send you a Welcome Email that will connect you to our secure Client Portal.
  4. Log into the Client Portal. Review and sign all documents. Within the Client Portal, you review and sign all the documents that are required prior to your first appointment. This includes Consent for services, screening tools, and what you want to address in counseling.
  5. Attend your appointment. In you’re attending in-person, bring your mask and present to our building for your appointment. If you’re attending via Telehealth. choose a quiet, private place to sit. You should receive an appointment reminder approximately 10 minutes before your first appointment.

How is TELEHEALTH different from in-person counseling?

LSSU Counseling Services offers TELEHEALTH appointments as an alternative to in-person appointments. TELEHEALTH is the provision of counseling remotely by means of a secure video conference. TELEHEALTH appointments enable students at our Regional Centers to access services. TELEHEALTH appointments are also available for our on campus and commuter students, as desired.

Why do people go to counseling?

Students participate in counseling for a variety of reasons.  Some encounter problems that aren’t easy to resolve, or their usual way of handling problems isn’t working. Some have family, friends, or LSSU faculty/staff who have encouraged them to see us. Others want support making some changes in their lives. Some common concerns include:

  • Anxiety/stress
  • Low self-confidence
  • Problems sleeping
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Feelings of sadness or depression
  • Self-harm
  • Academic concerns
  • Difficulty with attention and concentration
  • Addiction issues
  • Procrastination and perfectionism
  • Sexual identity concerns
  • Home sickness
  • Decision-making dilemmas
  • Trauma or abuse
  • Concern about a friend or family member

No matter what the reason is behind seeking our services, the Counseling Services staff is prepared to help.

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

No.  Counseling involves the concerns and problems of normal students. Many students encounter situations that are challenging and confusing, or their usual ways of handling problems may not be working well for some reason. We view seeking counseling as a sign of strength; it shows that you have insight into things you would like to improve. Counseling Services is a place where you can benefit from professional, experienced providers who can help you explore many different concerns. Many students take advantage of our services.

Who can use LSSU’s Counseling Services, and what does it cost?

Any currently enrolled LSSU student can use Counseling Services. All services are free of charge.

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. The average number of appointments that our clients attended is 6-8.

How do I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment by calling (906) 635-2752 or stopping by our front desk within our business hours of 8:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 5:00pm.  You are also welcome to reach out to us via email at . Our receptionist at the front desk will help you find a time to meet with a counselor that works with your schedule.

What will happen at my first appointment?

You will fill out paperwork and meet with a counselor.

Paperwork:  Before your first visit with a counselor, you will be asked to complete paperwork that takes about 5 – 10 minutes.  Please come into Counseling Services early to complete this paperwork.

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

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 of Counseling Services 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, you can refer to our Confidentiality Policy as described in our Policy Statements and Student Consent for Services form available at the receptionist’s desk.

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.