Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment?
To set up your initial (intake) appointment please submit an appointment request form. Every effort is made for students to be seen in a timely manner, usually within 5-7 business days. In the event that you need immediate assistance due to a life-threatening crisis, please call 911 or Campus Public Safety at 630-844-5450 (or dial 555 from any campus phone) for on campus assistance.

What can I expect at my first appointment?
During your first appointment you will meet with an intake counselor for 25-30 minutes to discuss your concerns. The counselor will gather information to gain a better understanding of your needs, and determine what services are most appropriate. If individual counseling is determined to be appropriate you will be assigned an ongoing counselor who will contact you to set up your next appointment. You and your ongoing counselor will then make decisions together about what ongoing therapy will focus on. Other services may also be suggested, including group therapy, or a referral to see a psychiatrist. Some students may be provided referrals for a community provider who can better meet their needs; when this is necessary your counselor will work with you on a short-term basis until outside care can be established.

How often will I meet with my counselor?
How often you meet with your counselor will depend on your unique needs. In general, you can expect to meet with your counselor every other week. If your counselor feels you should meet more or less frequently they will discuss this with you.

I think my friend needs counseling. What should I do?
If you think your friend might benefit from counseling, it may be helpful to talk with one of our counselors to discuss your specific concern. We can help you develop a plan for how to talk to your friend about your concerns, identify additional resources available to your friend, and provide support to you.

How long do I have to wait to get an appointment?
We make every effort to see students as quickly as possible, normally within 5-7 business days. If your need is more urgent we will do our best to make same-day or next-day appointments, based on availability. For life-threatening emergencies call 911 or Campus Public Safety at 630-844-5450 (or dial 555 from any campus phone) for on campus assistance.

What if I am in crisis and need to talk with someone right away?
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency call 911 or Campus Public Safety 630-844-5450 (or dial 555 from any campus phone) for on campus assistance. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency that is not life-threatening you can email or call any of our staff members directly and we will work to meet with you as quickly as possible. If your need is urgent a same-day or next-day appointment will be offered, when available. We are available in the office on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Can I see a different counselor?
Yes. Counseling is most effective when there is a good match between you and your counselor, and you may request a different provider if you have any concerns about the fit with your current counselor. To switch counselors you will first need to discuss this concern with your current counselor who can help you identify a provider that will provide you with a better fit for your needs.

Does Counseling Services have a limit on how many sessions students can be seen?
There is no specific session limit. Counseling services are designed to be short-term. Most students can benefit from 6-8 sessions, while others may require longer term services. Your counselor will work with you to determine the length of time you will be seen. When appropriate, referrals to outside providers will be provided for treatment of concerns that may exceed our scope of care or current resources.

Do you prescribe medication?
Our team is comprised of psychologists, clinical social workers, and professional counselors, who are not able to prescribe medication. If a referral for medication is warranted, your counselor will work with you to identify a provider in the community (e.g., psychiatrist, family physician) who is able to evaluate for and prescribe medication.

Is my concern appropriate for counseling?
There are a variety of reasons students decide to come in for counseling. In short, any concern that is keeping you from being your personal best is an appropriate reason to seek counseling. Some common concerns are depression, anxiety, stress management, family concerns, educational/academic concerns, substance use, interpersonal difficulties (e.g., conflict with friends, roommates, or romantic partners), or concerns related to gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or culture.

Can someone from the counseling center come speak to my organization or group?
Yes. Our counselors are comfortable presenting on a variety of topics related to mental health and well-being. Our ability to accommodate requests is dependent on counselor availability as well as having enough advance notice to ensure we have time to prepare (usually about two weeks). We may request to meet with you to discuss your specific programming needs.