Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Counseling Services and the services offered through TimelyCare?
Counseling Services offers in-person and virtual appointments during regular business hours to students currently enrolled at AU. TimelyCare is a virtual service that is also free for AU students and is accessible at your convenience, including evenings and weekends.
With TimelyCare, can I access teleservices from anywhere, at any time?
TimelyCare’s Talk Now service will connect you with a licensed clinician 24/7 and can be accessed via phone, video, or text. This service is unlimited for all current AU students at no cost. You can schedule up to 12 counseling sessions with a licensed clinician at no cost. Appointments can be scheduled at your convenience. For more information about TimelyCare, click here.
How do I make an appointment at Counseling Services?
To schedule your first appointment, submit an appointment request form to request an initial appointment. You can anticipate that the initial appointment will take about 90 minutes. To ensure you are scheduled in a timely manner, please provide as much availability as possible. In most cases, requests are responded to within one business day.
Walk-in services are available without an appointment during regular business hours but may be limited due to staff availability.
If our office is closed, consider using TimelyCare for 24/7 support. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency contact, Campus Public Safety at 630-844-5450 or 555 from a campus phone, or call 911.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
During the initial appointment, you will complete paperwork and then meet with a counselor to discuss your concerns and have the opportunity to ask any questions. The counselor will gather information to gain a better understanding of your needs and will work with you on developing a plan for the next steps that best meet your needs.
How often will I meet with my counselor?
You and your counselor will make a plan that best meets your unique needs. In general, you can expect to meet with a counselor weekly.
Is there a session limit?
The length of counseling can vary. Sometimes concerns can be addressed successfully in just a few visits; other concerns may take more time to unpack. Our goal is to provide shorter-term supportive therapy but the length of services is determined between you and your counselor. Even if you end counseling, AU students can return for services in the future.
What should I do if I think my friend needs counseling?
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.
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 contact Campus Public Safety for on-campus assistance at 630-844-5450 or by dialing 555 from any campus phone. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency that is not life-threatening, we will work to meet with you as quickly as possible. We are available in the office on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Remember, TimelyCare also offers urgent support with the “Talk Now” service! Click here to learn more about TimelyCare. You can also contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Do you prescribe medication?
Counseling Services does not prescribe medication. However, some students may qualify for psychiatric services through TimelyCare. If you would like to explore this option, please make an initial appointment with our office to discuss your needs
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 Counseling Services come to speak to my organization, club, 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 2-4 weeks). We may request to meet with you to discuss your specific programming needs.