Frequently Asked Questions
What services does the Counseling Center offer?
We provide a variety of services: short-term counseling for individuals,
couples and families, crisis intervention; groups and workshops; classroom
presentations; campus-wide consultation with student groups, staff, and
faculty; and referrals to the community.
Who can use the Center?
Students who are currently enrolled at SSU and have paid their registration
fees are eligible for our services. (This does not include Extended Education
and Open University Students.) For people wishing couples or family counseling,
partners and family members may be seen as part of the counseling process,
even if they are not registered students, however they may not be seen
individually.
Is there a fee?
There is no additional fee required for our services.
What can I talk with my counselor about?
You are free to talk about any issues that may be troubling or confusing
to you, including concerns about your relationship with a partner, relative
or child. Sometimes you may know quite clearly “what’s bothering
you,” and your counselor will help you develop new strategies for
dealing with these problems. At other times you may have general feelings
of being “anxious,” “depressed,” or “unmotivated.”
Your counselor can help you begin to clarify these feelings by asking
questions and offering feedback about what he/she is hearing or observing.
The people we work with discuss a variety of topics, including relationship
issues, stress, depression, anxiety, loneliness, sexuality, eating issues,
perfectionism, academic concerns, discrimination, and transition difficulties.
Will anyone else have access to information about me?
Everything you say to your counselor is confidential. Our staff will not
release the information that you have come to our office without a signed
release from you. The exceptions to confidentiality are the same as in
all settings: we believe that there was a possibility of you hurting yourself
or someone else, or if we need to report child, dependent, or elder abuse.
If I see an intern, will other staff have information about me?
As part of their training and development as a therapist, interns will
discuss their work with clients with their supervisors. Our interns tape
their counseling sessions as part of the training process and they may
ask their supervisor to listen to these tapes. All Counseling Center therapists
maintain the same standards of confidentiality.
If I go to the Counseling Center, does that mean there's something
wrong with me?
No, it doesn’t. Most students who use our services are interested
in their personal growth and adjustment to changes in their lives. Many
students face normal developmental concerns and academic pressures while
at SSU, and at times feel anxious, angry, or depressed. It is often helpful
to gain the perspective of a neutral professional. The Counseling Center
staff is trained to help you think about alternatives or options to your
behavior and ways of dealing with the world.
How long may I be seen?
We focus on short-term therapy and see clients between one and eight times;
the exact number of sessions will be negotiated with your counselor.
What if I need to be seen longer?
If your concerns require long-term or more intensive counseling, we will
help you to connect with a private therapist or community agency. We are
familiar with most of the social service agencies in Sonoma County.
How do I make an appointment?
Please call or come by the office during office hours, Monday-Friday,
8am-4:30pm and speak with the receptionist. Our phone number is 707/664-2153.
What if my needs are urgent?
Drop-in hours are from Noon–1pm and 3pm–4pm, Monday–Thursday;
and from Noon–1pm on Friday. This is a brief meeting to help you
with immediate concerns. Your counselor will assist you with any further
services. In addition, 24 hours a day, you can call Sonoma County Crisis
Line at 707/576-8181, or call SSU Police Services at 707/664-2143.
What if I am concerned about a friend or roommate?
You can set an appointment and talk with a counselor about what you can
do to help your friend and/or help them see a counselor. If you think
your friend is in a serious crisis, call immediately. If the Center is
closed, call SSU Police Services at 707/664-2143.
Can I request a particular counselor?
Since we operate as a free clinic and training facility, we are not usually
able to have the luxury of allowing clients to choose a counselor. Often
there are more people requesting services than available counselors, requiring
a wait list. Therefore, we will generally assign you to a counselor on
the basis of schedule availability. If you do, however, have a preference
with respect to gender, race/ethnicity, or sexual orientation, please
advise the receptionist and we will try to accommodate you. If you have
any concerns, you can discuss them with your counselor in the first session.
What if I need to talk with someone on evenings or weekends?
The Counseling Center is not open on evenings, weekends, holidays, or
vacation breaks. If you need services during these times, please call
the Sonoma County Crisis Line at 707/576-8181, or the SSU Police Department
at 707/664-2143.
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