Southeastern Louisiana University

About The University Counseling Center

General Information about the UCC

Who does the UCC serve?

Counseling services are provided free of charge to students, faculty, and staff.

How to make an initial appointment:

To make an initial appointment, come to the University Counseling Center located at 307 A Virginia Avenue to complete the intake paperwork.  At that time, the receptionist will schedule an appointment for you.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us (549-3894).  

Emergencies:

If you have a counseling emergency during the work day, you may come immediately to the counseling center.  Individuals with counseling emergencies are seen as quickly as possible. If you have an emergency after hours or during the weekends/holidays, please contact the University Police Department at (985) 549-2222. The police department will then contact the on-call Counselor.

Confidentiality:

Your information will not be disclosed outside of the professional counseling staff without  your written permission.  The exceptions to confidentiality are:

1. When it is necessary to protect you from self-harm or someone else from physical harm.
2. When there is reason to suspect child or elder abuse.
3. When there is a court order. 

Counselors in-training may present cases (unidentified) to their faculty supervisor. These professionals are bound by the same strict standards of confidentiality as listed above. Confidentiality of clients is defined by the American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics (www.counseling.org).

Services:

We offer consultation, workshops, individual, family, and couples counseling as well as psychoeducational groups, support groups and therapeutic groups.

Typical College Counseling Center issues:

Any concern that is causing you difficulty is appropriate to discuss with our counselors. Here are some of the more common concerns that we see:

• Low self confidence
• Self defeating behaviors
• Relationship problems and break-ups
• Sexual concerns
• Difficulties with alcohol and other drugs
• Roommate Problems
• Concerns with academic performance, lack of motivation, test anxiety
• Gay, lesbian and bisexual issues
• Dealing with feelings such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and anger
• Relationship violence
• Managing Stress
• Eating disorders
• Sexual harassment, sexual assault or rape
• Concerns about helping a friend

What to Expect from Counseling:

You will be asked to fill out a confidential Intake Form before your initial appointment time.  Counselors at the UCC attempt to provide an atmosphere of caring and understanding so that you may choose to examine those aspects of your life that are not working at this time.  You and your counselor will design goals to address those components of your life. The number of sessions needed to meet your goals is determined by you and your counselor. A fifty minute time period is set for each session.

Each counselor has his/her own style of counseling; therefore, you can expect an eclectic approach to problem solving, geared toward meeting your needs.  It is important to note that you are a full partner in the counseling relationship.  Your honesty and effort are essential to success.  You may be asked to participate in activities or complete "therapeutic homework assignments"  between sessions.

If, as you work with your counselor, you have suggestions or concerns about counseling, it is valuable to share those suggestions or concerns with your counselor or with the director of the UCC so that we can make the necessary adjustments. 

It is important to know that in the course of counseling, additional issues may surface about which you were not initially aware.  If this occurs, you should feel free to share these new concerns with your counselor.

What are my responsibilities as a client?

1. Keep appointments.  Please cancel or reschedule appointments at least 2 hours in advance.  After three "no-shows," the client's counseling privileges may be suspended for the semester.
2. Be prompt. Promptness allows the client to receive a full fifty minute session.
3. Be an active participant in your growth process.  Clients are full partners in the counseling process.  Honesty and effort are essential to success.  Being active in counseling means communicating with your counselor, being honest in discussing concerns, completing outside assignments,  and informing the counselor if you decide to terminate. 
4. Notify your counselor of any other current professional mental health relationship.
5. Inform your counselor of any physical concerns you may have and/or any medications you may be taking. Phyical health can be an important factor in the emotional well-being of an individual.  If you have not had a physical examination within the past year, your counselor may suggest that you do so.   

What are your rights as a client?

1.     You have the right to confidentiality within the limits of the counselor's Code of

Conduct  (listed above and available at www.counseling.org).

2.     You have the right to ask your counselor for a copy of the ACA Code of Ethics &

3.     You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.

4.     You have the right to be informed of the purposes, goals, techniques, procedures,

limitations, potential risks, and benefits of the counseling services you will receive. (Please note, this is the statement that you read, signed and received during your first visit.)

5.     You have the right to share any concerns or issues with your counselor, the UCC

Director, or the Vice President for Student Affairs.

May I seek counseling services through the Internet?

No. The UCC does not provide counseling through electronic means.  The staff welcomes contact with students, faculty and staff. However, we feel that email is not the best method to use. Email simply cannot protect confidentiality. For this reason, the University Counseling Center does not provide counseling through email or any other electronic means.

If you need to speak with a counselor, please telephone the office. In case of an emergency after office hours, call the University Police at (985) 549-2222. They will contact the counselor on call.