Center for Counseling and Human Development

240 Student Services Center • 570-389-4255

What you should know about counseling

Lots of people have difficulty adjusting to the challenges of college life. It's not unusual to feel anxious or uneasy about course work, relationships, or the day-to-day pressures of the university. The Center for Counseling and Human Development at Bloomsburg University is a place where you can go to talk out your problems or just get things off your chest. The process of counseling may be challenging at times, but it can also lead to very positive outcomes. And your visit is confidential.

Available services

The Center assists students in the development of human relations skills and personal growth. Typical counseling concerns may include: study skills; depression; relationship issues; stress management; assertiveness and effective communications; racism, sexism, and homophobia; human sexuality; anxiety; drug and alcohol abuse; eating disorders; survivors of rape, incest and sexual assault; depression; ACOA and family issues; self-esteem.

Psychological counselors also provide programs on these topics upon request by student organizations, residence halls and classroom faculty.

Other services include professional consultation to faculty and staff about student concerns and academic and non-academic grievances.

Who's eligible for services?

You must be enrolled for at least six credit hours during the semester that you are seeking services. To receive services during the summer, you must be enrolled during that summer session.

Confidentiality

You have the right to a confidential relationship with your counselor. Information you share in counseling will not be revealed outside the center without your written permission. There are certain exceptions to this rule:

• child abuse or neglect
• elder abuse or neglect
• danger of imminent bodily harm to you or another person
• court subpoena

Making an appointment

Call The Center for Counseling and Human Development Center at 389-4255 or come in person to 240 Student Services Center to schedule an appointment. You may request a specific counselor - if possible, your request will be honored. However, counseling is provided based upon counselor availability. The timing of your appointment may be affected by your request.

Emergencies

Services are available 8:00-4:30, Monday through Friday by contacting the Center directly, and stating that it is an emergency situation. After hours emergency services are available through TAPLINE, by calling 1-800-222-9016.

Non-emergency services

The Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. - except when the university is officially closed. When you call the Center, you'll be given an appointment to meet with a counselor. If you cannot attend a counseling session at your scheduled time, please call so another student can be scheduled.

Initial session

In your first session, your counselor will assess your individual situation and make recommendations about providing assistance. Referrals to agencies outside the Center may be made when we are unable to provide appropriate or timely services. You may request a referral at any time.

Length of sessions and duration of service

Most scheduled appointments last about an hour. Usually, students are scheduled for no more than eight sessions per semester, although extensions can be granted.

Cost for services

There is no charge for services provided in the Center.

Medications

Counselors at the Center are not physicians and cannot prescribe or provide medications. However, through a collaborative relationship between the Center and the Student Health Center, medication and counseling services may be provided and coordinated. These services are conditional and required that the Student adheres to the terms of agreement for these jointly provided services. Otherwise, clients may be encouraged to consult with their family physician or a referral to an outside provider may be made. Costs for services not provided by the Center are the Student's responsibility.

E-mail

Electronic mail (e-mail) is not a confidential form of communication. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. In order to ensure confidentiality and protect your privacy, clinical services cannot be provided through email. Clinical services include counseling, psychotherapy, testing, consultation, and group therapy. Scheduling, confirming, and canceling appointments are also included. Please contact the counseling center by telephone or in person regarding clinical services, clinical questions, and appointments.

Self Help Resources

MoodGym is an online cognitive-behavioral interactive web site developed by the Australian National University. It is designed to prevent and decrease symptoms of depression.

The The Unabridged Student Counseling Virtual Pamphlet Collection has downloadable pamphlets and information on a wide range of topics, including anger management, eating disorders, study skills, sleep, relationship issues, and grief.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a self help organization dedicated to providing assistance for those with alcohol abuse issues. Narcotics Anonymous is intended for those with other substance abuse issues. Smart Recovery is another online resource for addictive behaviors.

The Jed Foundation is dedicated to reducing the suicide rate among college and university students, across the United States. The Jed Foundation is affiliated with Ulifeline online resource center for college student mental health.