To begin individual therapy, the first step is to schedule a meeting with a staff member for an initial consultation appointment. This appointment provides an opportunity for you to discuss your concerns with a therapist and determine which service will best meet your needs.
Based on this meeting, you and your consultant may agree that group or individual therapy would best suit your needs. If this is the case, the consultant will gather the necessary information from you so that you can begin therapy.
The length of time from the initial consultation to starting the therapy is determined by two main factors: Your preferences and/or needs regarding the characteristics of your counselor or group; and, the availability of open slots for therapy. Regarding individual therapy, due to periods of high demand for services (often in the second half of the Fall and Spring semesters), there may be a delay in assigning a student to a counselor. You may call any weekday at 8:30 a.m. to request a Quick Access appointment if you feel you need urgent or more immediate support.
Our therapy services are short-term in nature. This means that you and your assigned counselor will focus on resolving the immediate problems that brought you to the Counseling Services and specific goals. Most students receive between three and eight sessions of counseling. Group therapy, however, can be long-term counseling in which you may participate for as long as you need.
