Counseling FAQ

Appointments

 

> How do I make an appointment?

There are three ways you can make a counseling appointment at the CCW:

• Call our Front Desk at 301-738-6273
• Stop by the Center's Suite (IV-3139) and speak to the Receptionist
• Click on the following link (shadygrove.titaniumhwc.com) to access our Online Appointment Request form

 

> What if I am late or need to reschedule?

Counseling is most beneficial when you attend sessions consistently and on time. If you need to cancel or reschedule, or you realize you will be late for your appointment, please call us at 301-738-6273 as soon as possible to let us know.  Your responsible use of our resources permits other students to benefit from a canceled slot.

 

> What if I need help after hours?

These same day, after hours mental health crisis support services are available to you:

• If you are experiencing a life-threatening crisis, dial 911
• The Center's NEED HELP NOW page
• Montgomery Crisis Center - 240-777-4000
• Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Urgent Care
• 2.1.1 Maryland
• 988 is staffed by trained counselors who are trained to provide support during times of mental health distress and to connect callers with resources that will provide stability and ongoing support.

 

Counseling at the CCW

 

> Who is eligible to use the Center's counseling services?

All currently registered USG students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for counseling services.  Your Intake counselor will work with you to determine the most appropriate services for your presenting concerns. These services may include individual or couples counseling/therapy, group therapy, Center workshops, psychiatry, Center recreation/well-being services, and/or referrals to other campus resources or off-campus providers.

 

> Is there a charge of counseling or psychiatric services?

All services provided at the CCW are completely free, including counseling and psychiatric services.

 

> Is what I say in counseling kept confidential?

Counseling often deals with very personal and private issues.  Successful counseling depends on having the freedom to express feelings, attitudes and thoughts with someone who is respectful of a person's right to privacy.  Our counseling sessions are confidential.  Personal information and the content of the discussions are not released except: a) with the client’s written permission or b) as may be required by law. The importance of confidentiality is reflected in the CCW’s adherence to Maryland Law and to the provider’s professional Code of Ethics.

 

> Will my professors, on-campus work supervisors, USG staff and/or other USG faculty know about my appointment at the CCW?

The CCW does not disclose any information about your participation in our services unless you provide us with written permission.  USG faculty and staff outside of the CCW do not have access to your CCW record.  Our staff is legally and ethically required to keep confidential what you shared with them, including the fact that you were seen here.  The only exceptions to confidentiality involve threats to life or safety, or possible harm to a vulnerable person (e.g., a child, an elderly adult, an adult with a developmental disability).

 

> If I go to the CCW, will the information about the visit appear on my school record?

No, counseling is confidential except in unusual circumstances involving imminent danger to life or disclosures required by law.  Other university officials ordinarily have no information about what goes on in counseling or who visits the CCW.

 

> Do you provide counseling services virtually?

The CCW provides counseling services both in-person and virtually.  During your Intake/initial evaluation, your and your counselor will determine which format will work best in light of your presenting concerns  :Some clients prefer one modality or the other, given their situation, and many clients will engage in both in-person and virtual counseling during the course of their treatment.. Due to state licensing laws, however, students must be physically located in the State of Maryland at the time that any counseling or psychiatric sessions occur.

 

> Why would you refer a student to off-campus providers?

The Center primarily uses a short-term counseling model to address the needs of its clients.  All eligible students seeking services are provided an Intake/ initial assessment. In collaboration with the student, counselors employ their best clinical judgment to determine what services are most appropriate.  When a student’s needs are consistent with the CCW's scope of practice, the counselor and the client together determine the goals for counseling and work towards these goals in a time-effective manner.  Sometimes students present with needs that are beyond the Center's scope of practice and are best addressed in frequent, longer-term psychotherapy or by a therapist with a particular specialty. In these cases, the counselor will provide community referral options and will support the student in connecting with an appropriate off-campus provider.  A student also may be referred to an off-campus professional when they graduate, and further treatment is warranted or desired, and in the case where a student may not be taking courses at USG the following semester.

 

> Under what circumstances would you refer a student to off-campus providers?

Some situations that may be appropriate for off campus referral include, but are not limited to:

• Issues that may require a student to be seen more than once per week
• Issues that may require support or recurring treatment over the course of the student’s USG enrollment
• Issues that require a type of treatment that is not within the scope of practice for current staff members
• Students experiencing significant levels of distress, who need immediate inpatient or intensive outpatient care, and/or are suffering a severe disruption in their ability to function
• Students whose schedules do not fit with CCW hours of operation or staff availability
• Treatment requirements beyond CCW’s scope of service
• Students who are already engaged in therapy with another provider

 

> How do I make a counseling referral for someone?

To recommend counseling services to a student, first determine the student’s willingness to go to a helping resource.  Reassure the student that it is an act of strength to ask for help.  Remind them that campus counseling services are free and confidential.  Offer to help make the initial contact by calling for information or walking with the student to CCW.  Please know that we can only schedule appointments for students by communicating directly with the person participating in the appointment.

 

> Can the CCW respond to psychiatric emergencies that occur on campus?

CCW staff cannot treat anyone outside of our facility.  If a psychiatric or medical emergency occurs on campus, call USG Public Safety at 301-738-6065 or 911.  DO NOT TRANSPORT EMERGENCIES TO CCW.  We are not an emergency room, and delays in emergency care can be life-threatening.

 

Medication

 

> What should I do if I think I need medication for my mental health, or my Intake counselor suggests it?

The CCW has a part-time psychiatrist (Fridays 11:00am to 2:00pm.  Virtual Only) who can prescribe medications when appropriate.  If you and your counselor determine medication may be an effective option, your counselor can help you schedule a medication evaluation.  Our providers will evaluate your situation and determine if medication makes sense, and if we can meet your current mental health needs.  Alternatively, your counselor can assist with off campus referrals, and getting you connected to off campus services utilizing your health insurance provider, when appropriate.

 

> Do I need to be in counseling to meet with the psychiatrist?

To provide optimal care for our students, the CCW requires that students be actively engaged in counseling in the Center to be eligible for psychiatric services with our psychiatrist.

 

> What limitations exist to utilizing the CCW's psychiatric services?

• Appointments with the psychiatrist are by counselor referral only.  Students are not permitted to schedule evaluation appointments with the psychiatrist without first being seen for an Intake by a counselor.
• Comprehensive referral assistance is provided for students needing: a) access to psychiatric care on weekends or holidays, b) ongoing close monitoring, or c) whose needs are beyond our scope of services
• The psychiatrist is not available to fill or refill prescription medications that have been prescribed by other medical providers (e.g., a student’s primary care physician or psychiatrist at home)
• The psychiatrist is not available for urgent medication evaluation. These concerns may be best addressed with the most recent prescriber or a local emergency department.
• If you are coming to USG already on psychotropic medication, you should maintain your established relationship with your psychiatrist to continue monitoring your medication as prescribed
• The psychiatrist works 3-4 hours, one day per week and 3-4 hours per month during the winter or summer breaks, and therefore is not easily available for urgent consultation or refills if you missed your last medication follow-up session

 

Consultations

 

> Do you do provide consultation services?

Our consultation services are available to students, staff, and faculty members of the USG Community. Some reasons for using this option include:

• When a friend or group of friends seek advice or resources for a friend about whom they are concerned
• Faculty/Staff looking for appropriate responses to students expressing mental health-related concerns
• Faculty/Staff hoping to help a student get connected with the CCW who may be hesitant about seeking services on their own

Students do not need to be clients of the CCW to receive a consult from a CCW counselor.  Even if a student is not seeking services for themselves, they can ask to speak/meet with a counselor for a consultation.

 

> How can I schedule a consultation with a counselor?

To request a consultation, please call us at 301-738-6273.

 

Helping Another Student

 

> I am worried about my friend, another student, who is going through some difficulty. What can I do?

You can encourage your friend to come to the CCW, and you may offer to accompany them to their appointment, to ease any discomfort that they may feel.  In addition, we are happy to talk to students who would like to help their friends and offer suggestions to assist with your specific concern about them.