FAQs

Students

• Q: What are some reasons students come to the counseling center?

  A: There are a wide variety of reasons students access services at the counseling center.  Presenting concerns range from homesickness, identity development, relationship issues, and stress, to anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, substance use, and psychosis.  If we are unable to meet your needs at our center, we will provide referrals to community resources that will be able to provide appropriate care.

• Q: What do I need to do to access services?

  A: In order to establish care at the UNC Counseling Center, please call us at 970-351-2496 to set up an appointment.  We will have you fill out a brief intake form and you will meet with a counselor for a consultation regarding your concerns and discuss treatment options. This intake process takes approximately one hour in total.

• Q: What is the cost for counseling services?

  A: Group, individual, and couples therapy are free for students at UNC.  There is an additional fee for psychiatric visits.  Visit our Services page to learn more about the services we provide and any associated fees.

• Q: Do you provide letters of support for Emotional Support Animals (ESA)?

  A: No, the Counseling Center does not provide assessment to document the need for an emotional support animal, prescriptions (letters of support) for an ESA, or ESA documentation for air travel. We also do not accept students who are seeking services solely related to ESA documentation or accommodation, but we will see students for therapy that is within our scope of practice.

• Q: Can I receive counseling services over the summer?

  To receive services during the summer months, a student must be registered for the summer semester or the upcoming fall semester.  If you graduate in the spring semester, we can offer up to three sessions in the summer to current clients/patients to help wrap up treatment and provide appropriate referrals as needed.    

• Q: Can I receive counseling services after I have graduated?

  No.  Because counseling services are funded through student fees, you must be a currently enrolled student to be eligible for services.  If you are currently a client/patient with us who is graduating, we can offer up to three sessions after graduation to help wrap up treatment and provide appropriate referrals as needed.

• Q: What if I am in crisis and can’t wait until my next appointment?

  A: You can access drop-in crisis services Monday-Friday 9-12 and 1-4 PM. If you are struggling afterhours, on weekends, or even holidays, you can call our phone number (970-351-2496) to talk with a crisis counselor.  If you feel that this is a serious and imminent life-threatening circumstance, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.

• Q: Do you prescribe medication?

  A: Our general approach is to recommend pursuing medication when a student could benefit from adding it to their treatment; however, this decision is ultimately left up to the student.  If you are interested in being evaluated for psychiatric medication, the first step is the initial consultation into our center.  After the consultation your counselor can refer you to our consulting psychiatrist.  There may be a 3-4 week wait before we can offer an opening for a psychiatric intake.  Please note that there are fees associated with psychiatric services and we do not take insurance outside of the UNC student health insurance.  Please visit the Psychiatry Services section of our Services page for more information on psychiatric appointment fees.   

• Q: Do you provide teletherapy or therapy over videochat?

  Yes, at this time the UNC counseling center does provide teletherapy or online therapy.  Please call us to find out more about this service. 

• Q: Can my parents/loved ones make an appointment for me?

  A: No.  We encourage students to take ownership of their well-being by scheduling their own appointments.  While a parent or loved one can assist you in this process, we will need to speak to you directly to discuss details about your treatment, including making and rescheduling appointments.

• Q: Can others (e.g. parents, loved ones, professors, etc.) access my counseling records and/or attendance?

  A: No.  All mental health records are kept confidential in accordance with Colorado mental health law.  If you wish to release information to a third party, you will have to sign a release of information.  Counseling records are treated similarly to medical records and are therefore not part of a student’s academic record.

Parents

• Q: What do I do if I am concerned about my student’s mental health?

  A: Initially, talk with your student about your concerns and encourage them to come in for services.  If they are resistant, give it time as they may need time to warm up to the idea of counseling.  If you continue to feel concerned, you can reach out to Student Outreach and Support at 970-351-2796 and they will be able to reach out to your student and assist them with resources on campus.  Check out the section on How Parents & Loves Ones Can Help for tips on supporting and talking to your student when they are in distress.

• Q: Can I make an appointment for my student?

  A: No.  We encourage students to take ownership of their well-being by scheduling their own appointments.  Seeking counseling services is also an individual choice and counseling is most effective when the student is willing and ready to seek services for themselves.  Talk with them about your concerns and encourage them to call the counseling center and make an appointment if you are concerned about their well-being. 

• Q: What does my student need to do in order to access services?

  A: In order to establish care at the UNC Counseling Center, your student can call us or come into our center Monday-Friday between the hours of 1-4 pm to initiate services. They will fill out a brief intake form and meet with an on-call counselor for a consultation regarding their needs. This intake process takes approximately one hour in total.

• Q: What is the cost for counseling services?

  A: Group, individual, and couples therapy are free for students at UNC.  There is an additional fee for psychiatric visits.  Visit our Services page to learn more about the services we provide and fees.

• Q: What if my student is in crisis?

  A: Students can also access crisis services Monday-Friday 9-12 and 1-4 PM. They can even call our phone number (970-351-2496) after hours to talk with a crisis counselor.  If you feel that your student is in a serious and imminent life-threatening circumstance, call 911 or take the student to the nearest Emergency Room.

• Q: What are some reasons students come to the counseling center?

  A: There are a wide variety of reasons students access services at the counseling center.  Presenting concerns range from homesickness, identity development, relationship issues, and stress, to anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, substance use, and psychosis.  If we are unable to meet the needs of your student at our center, we will provide referrals to community resources that will be able to provide appropriate care.

• Q: What services do you offer?

  A: The counseling center has diverse professional staff that work from a multitude of theoretical perspectives.  We provide group, individual, and couples counseling as well as varying workshops.  Please visit our Services page for a more comprehensive list and description of our services. 

• Q: Can I have access to my student’s records and/or attendance?

  A: No.  All mental health records are kept confidential in accordance with Colorado mental health law.  If a student wishes to release information to a third party, they will have to sign a release of information.  Counseling records are treated similarly to medical records and are therefore not part of a student’s academic record.

• Q: Do you prescribe medication?

  A: Our general approach is to recommend pursuing medication when a student could benefit from adding it to their treatment; however, this decision is ultimately left up to the student.  If a student is interested in being evaluated for the need for psychiatric medication, the first step is the initial consultation into our center.  After the consultation their counselor can refer the student to our consulting psychiatrist.  There may be a 3-4 weeks wait before the students can get in for a psychiatric intake.  Please note that there are fees associated with psychiatric services and we do not take insurance outside of the UNC student health insurance.  Please visit the Psychiatry Services section of our Services page for more information on psychiatric appointment fees.   

Faculty & Staff

• Q: How can I best support a student who is struggling?

  A: Visit our section on How Faculty & Staff Can Help for tips on supporting and talking to students when they are in distress.

• Q: If I am concerned about a student, can I direct them to the Counseling Center?

  A: Yes, if you have spoken with this student, and they desire more information about how to access mental health services, please provide them with our information.  Encourage the student to call to set up an appointment 970-351-2496 or the student can come into the Counseling Center and make an appointment. Students can also access crisis services Monday-Friday 9-12 and 1-4 PM. They can even call our phone number (970-351-2496) after hours to talk with a crisis counselor.  If you feel that a student is in a serious and imminent life-threatening circumstance, call 911 or UNCPD at (970) 351-2245.

  We appreciate your help in referring and bringing students to our center.  Prior to connecting students with us, please make sure that the student is willing to seek services, as services are voluntary in nature and the student must give their consent to initiate treatment.  Therapy is also more effective when the student is willing and ready to engage in the process of therapy.  If you continue to feel concerned about a student and they are not willing to seek services, please see the following question:

• Q: What if I am concerned about a student but I am unsure if they want counseling?

  A: If you are concerned about a student, but unsure of what their needs are, a more appropriate resource may be Student Outreach and Support (SOS).  SOS will be able to reach out and follow up with the student.  You can contact SOS to share your concern about a student by calling 970-351-2796.  SOS is also a good resource for students who are struggling but are not willing to seek services at the Counseling Center.

• Q: As a UNC employee, can I personally access counseling services at the UNC Counseling Center?

  A: Yes, UNC employees who receive benefits have access to 10 counseling sessions per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), free of charge through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  Visit our EAP page for more information.

• Q: Can my partner or family members access services?

  A: Services are available to the spouses and household family members age 15 and older of UNC employees.  They are eligible for 10 sessions per fiscal year, provided the UNC employee and their family members are receiving benefits.

• Q: Can I pay for additional sessions if I have reached my session limit?

  A: No, the UNC Counseling Center does not accept payment for therapy services. Our clinicians are happy to provide referral resources should you wish to seek additional services outside the UNC Counseling Center. 

• Q: What forms of therapy can I access at the UNC Counseling Center?

  A: As an employee or dependent, you are eligible to receive individual and couples therapy. However, if you seek out both, the total session limit remains at 10. The UNC Counseling Center is not able to offer family therapy at this time. 

• Q: Will any university personnel, such as my supervisor, be informed that I am utilizing the services at the Counseling Center?

  A: No, counseling services are completely confidential, and your treatment file will not become part of your personnel file. No other department or agency will know that you have used this service.

  In some cases, a supervisor may refer an employee for EAP services as part of a corrective action plan.  While a supervisor may request or require for attendance to be verified as part of a correction plan, we can only verify attendance if you have authorized to do so by signing a release of information.

• Q: How would I or a family member begin utilizing these services?

  A: In order to establish care at the UNC Counseling Center, please call our center to schedule an appointment. You will fill out a brief intake form and meet with an counselor for a consultation regarding your needs. This intake process takes approximately one hour in total, so please keep this in mind when planning your visit.