THE CENTER

The Counseling and Psychological Services Center, an office of the Division of Student Development at Appalachian State University, is part of a comprehensive program of student services. The Center has as its primary purpose the prevention of psychological difficulties and treatment of the mental health concerns of its students. The Counseling and Psychological Services Center also seeks to assist in the creation and maintenance of a university environment that will foster the well-being and personal development of its members. The Center is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc. Counselors at the Center practice under the Ethical Guidelines put forth by the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American College Personnel Association.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling is an opportunity to talk confidentially with a counselor about personal concerns and to facilitate personal growth. The counselor and client work together to define and discuss personal issues and to reach mutually agreed upon goals. Sessions generally last 50 minutes one time per week. If needed, a referral to a private therapist or community service will be made as early as possible.

Group Programs

Both short-term and long-term group programs are offered on a regular basis. These include:

Understanding Self & Others Therapy Groups
Sexual Trauma Survivors Therapy Group
Gay and Lesbian Therapy Group
Body Image/Eating Disorder Group
Women’s Therapy Groups
Therapeutic Weekend for Self Enhancement
Other groups based on demonstrated need

Family/Couples Counseling

Family and couples counseling are provided on a limited basis for students when their issues seem related to their primary relationships.

HOW TO SEE A COUNSELOR

In order to see a counselor, you can come in through the Walk-In Clinic. There are certain hours each day when you can come into the Center and see a counselor on a first-come, first-served basis. To find out the hours of the Walk-In Clinic, please call 262-3180. During your first visit, a counselor will work with you to determine how and where your needs can be best met. A referral to an individual counselor, to a group, or to another agency can be made when appropriate.

The Center offers emergency coverage (when school is in session) for trauma and life-threatening situations such as suicide and sexual assault. To activate the system, call the Campus Police Department at 262-2150.

SPECIAL OFFICES

These special offices have important offerings and are services of the Counseling Center at Appalachian State University.

Peer Career Center

The Center co-sponsors a separate career counseling program with the Career Development Center. The Peer Career Center, located in the Student Union, provides services to help students learn about themselves and the world of work, and use that information to make decisions and plan for the future. Peer Career utilizes paraprofessional counseling, an extensive career information library, and computerized career counseling systems (DISCOVER and SIGI Plus). Students wishing to combine personal and career counseling can utilize the Peer Career services while involved in other Counseling Center programs. Call 262-2029 for more information.

Wellness Center

At the Wellness Center, students can learn healthy stress management methods and approaches toward prevention of psychological and physical problems due to stress. If appropriate, biofeedback may be used to alleviate stress-related psychophysiological problems such as headaches, hypertension, and chronic muscle tension. The Wellness and Stress Management Center offers individualized and group instruction in stress management techniques. The Center also offers a variety of outreach programming through its Peer Educators Program. Call 262-3148 for more information.

Alcohol and Drug Assistance Program

The Alcohol and Drug Assistance Program, located in the Wellness Center, serves as the primary campus office concerning education, personal assistance, and information related to alcohol and other drugs. Peer educators and staff are involved in promoting and educating for low risk, healthy choices through campus outreach programs. Confidential individual consultation and counseling is provided to those students with personal concerns related to alcohol or other drugs. Group counseling is also offered to students seeking support and assistance, or who are in recovery from addictions. Call 262-3148 for more information.

OTHER CENTER SERVICES

Outreach and Consultation

Center counselors are available for consulting with students, staff, faculty, and other professionals. These consultations often focus on planning and presenting special programs, studying group dynamics and interpersonal communications, improving student environments, and other issues that may have important psychological dimensions. Counselors and paraprofessionals can also often present psychoeducational workshops on a variety of topics to various campus groups and organizations. For more information, call 262-3180.

Training

The Center serves as a training facility for three graduate programs at Appalachian State University. Externs and practicum students in Clinical Psychology, Human Development and Psychological Counseling, and Rehabilitation Psychology are supervised by Center staff.

In addition, the Center trains and utilizes the services of pre-doctoral interns who are recruited from Counseling or Clinical Psychology doctoral programs from around the country.

Testing

Personality, interest, and ability tests are administered as needed in conjunction with counseling services and workshops. Test results are intended to provide clients with information about themselves.

National testing programs through the Educational Testing Service and the Psychological Corporation are administered by the Center for the convenience of Appalachian State University students and other persons in the local community. Applications and information on dates, fees, and locations for these tests are available at the Center.

Uncle Sigmund

Uncle Sigmund is an On-Line Computer Counselor staffed by professional counselors and accessed through the campus computer system. Uncle Sigmund provides answers to questions about personal problems, relationships, stress, and alcohol & drugs. Students with questions concerning any of these issues may ask Uncle Sigmund for advice.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What are some typical problems that bring students to the Counseling Center?

A: Students come to the Counseling Center for a wide range of problems, including depression, anxiety & stress, relationship problems, low self-esteem, recovery from sexual abuse or sexual assault, substance abuse, eating problems, and many others.

Q: Can I be sure of confidentiality?

A: The fact that you came to the Counseling Center and any information you share is held private and confidential within all legal limits. An informed consent form will be provided to all clients which explains the limits to confidentiality.

Q: Why see a counselor? Isn’t talking to a friend just as helpful?

A: Confiding in friends and using family support can be very helpful. The advantage of speaking with a counselor is that she or he is trained and supervised in working with problems faced by college students, is not personally involved in your life, and can be unbiased in helping you to resolve problems.

WHO CAN USE THE CENTER

Appalachian State University students currently enrolled in courses may receive counseling services free of charge. Although staff and faculty are encouraged to use the Counseling Center for consultation about student difficulties, counseling services for staff and faculty are provided by the Employee Assistance Service, located in the Hubbard Center for Faculty and Staff Support. It is possible that some students will require services not offered by the Counseling Center. The staff of the Center is knowledgeable about many services offered on and off campus. Counselors can help students find the most appropriate source of help and facilitate the referral process.