CURRENT STUDENTS

This Declaration of Practices and Procedures is designed to answer frequently asked questions and to allay any anxiety you may feel. Your decision to seek counseling indicates that you want to make changes for coping with concerns. We hope this document helps make the process easier for you.

What types of counseling services are offered and what are the fees?

Counseling Services offers counseling free of charge to all currently enrolled Louisiana Tech students. Counselors provide group and individual counseling for personal crisis, career decision making, and study skills development issues. For the most part, students who use our services are interested in their personal growth and adjustment to their environment.

With whom will I be speaking?

The counseling staff is comprised of licensed counselors and a consulting licensed psychologist (names and credentials are presented above). Graduate student interns and counselors working toward licensure also serve as a part of the staff. Our training spans a broad range of approaches to counseling. Each staff member has had training and specific experience working with college students

What records are kept about me?

All records and counselor’s notes compiled during the counseling process are for the counselor’s professional use only and are not a part of any other university permanent record. Seven years after your last contact with us, your files will be destroyed.

May I seek the services of a counselor via email?

Because email is not a secure confidential form of communication, Counseling Services cannot ensure the confidentiality of email messages. Please use discretion when sending information that is sensitive in nature. Clinical services and responses to clinical inquiries will not be addressed through email. Also, please note that we do not maintain 24 hour access to email accounts.

What can I do if I need a counselor in the event of an emergency?

Your counselors will provide a business card with his/her name and the office telephone number. In case of an after-hour emergency, you may phone the University Police at 257.4018 and they will be able to contact a counselor on your behalf.

How do I know that my confidentiality will be protected?

The counseling relationship and information resulting from counseling sessions will not be disclosed outside of the professional counseling staff without your permission. The exceptions to this rule are

• • when, in the judgment of your counselor, such disclosure is necessary to protect you or someone else from physical harm,
  • when there is reason to suspect that a child, incapacitated adult, or elder needs protection from abuse,
  • when special protection is needed for a student 17 years of age or younger, and/or
  • when there is a court order.

What does the counseling process involve?

As a part of your counseling experience, you will be invited to complete a Confidential Intake Form during the initial visit to help in setting counseling goals. All information provided will be kept confidential

Your counselor’s role will be to assist you in identifying areas of concern that interfere with your education, emotional and social well-being. You and your counselor will work together to design goals to address those challenges

Although negotiable between you and your counselor, the number of sessions range from three to ten depending on the nature of your concerns. A 50 minute time period is scheduled for each session

Each counselor has his/her own counseling style, employing techniques based upon sound counseling theories. Counseling is an interactive process, and you may be asked to participate in activities in the counseling session or to complete “homework assignments” between sessions to facilitate problem solving and personal coping skills.

Although you may present one or more concerns about your life today, other issues may surface in the course of your counseling. You and your counselor will address them as they become evident.

What are my responsibilities as a client?

• • Please keep appointments or phone and cancel as soon as your realize you will be unable to attend. After two “no shows,” you will be asked to speak directly to your counselor before setting another appointment.
  • Please be prompt. Call the office if you are going to be late.
  • Be an active participant. In order for counseling to be effective, it is necessary for you take an active role in the process. Participation involves communication with the counselor, being honest in discussing concerns, completing outside assignments, and informing the counselor if you decide to terminate.
  • Notify your counselor of any other current professional mental health relationship. The Louisiana Code of Conduct for Professional Counselors dictates that in order for another therapist to work with the same client simultaneously, they must grant permission.
  • Inform your counselor of any physical concerns you may have and/or any medications you may be taking. If you have not had a physical examination within the past year, your counselor may suggest that you do so.