Health Center: Off-Campus Referrals

In an effort to accommodate the needs of all students seeking counseling at the University Health Center, most therapy is short-term.  Brief therapy is quite effective with college students, especially when problems are dealt with at an early stage.  It is not unusual for significant change to occur in a few sessions, even for problems that seem complicated. In cases where long-term therapy is indicated, the Health Center’s professional staff will assist the student with a referral to an off-campus resource.

Some Helpful Hints When Looking for a Therapist

Trying to locate a therapist can be a daunting undertaking.  However, there are some things you can do to help with this process. When making the initial call to a therapist, first try to assess if you feel comfortable talking with this individual.  Sometimes people locate a therapist whom they feel is a good match right away.  However, it is not uncommon to take some time to locate the “right” professional.  Give yourself time to find a good match.  Don’t feel you need to continue working with a therapist just because you talked over the phone or met for an initial session.

Below is a listing of some questions you might consider asking a potential therapist.

• What are your training, education, and experience in working with young adults?
• What is your approach?
• What are your specialty areas?
• What can I expect to happen during my sessions?
• How long will counseling take?
• What is the cost of your services?  Can my insurance be billed?  Is there a sliding fee?
• What are your office hours?
• Where is your office located?
• Is an appointment available within a week?