The Office of Student Counseling
Helping you to succeed in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who may use Student Counseling services?
- Is there any fee?
- How do I know if I need therapy/counseling?
- Who will know what we talk about in a session?
- What commitment do I make if I see a therapist?
- If I am in really bad shape, what will the counselor/therapist do?
- What if I feel suicidal?
- What if I am concerned about a friend?
Q. Who may use the NGCSU Student Counseling services ?
A. Any currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student working toward a degree may use the services. Spouses or family members may join counseling sessions with the student's consent for couples or family sessions.
A. There are no fees for counseling services as long as you are a current or matriculating NGCSU student.
Q. How do I know if I need therapy/counseling?
A. The purpose of counseling is to help you to help yourself. If you sense that you are "stuck", confused, afraid, anxious, depressed or have some such similar feelings or state of mind, you probably could use the help of a professional who is trained to assist you in just such situations. To have such periods is perfectly normal and to seek help is a sign of wisdom not weakness.
Q. Who will know what we talk about in a session?
A. Of course, the therapist will know and you will know and that is it. Only with your written permission may any information be shared with anyone else. The only exceptions to confidentiality are: 1) if it is necessary to tell someone else to protect you or another from imminent harm, 2) the abuse of a child, senior, or handicapped person, or 3) a court of law orders the counselor's notes in a court case.
Q. What commitment do I make if I see a therapist?
A. Therapy is to help you. When you think you no longer need help, discuss termination with your therapist. In the initial session, the counselor will give a professional opinion regarding possible treatment options. You and the therapist will work together to determine what kind of therapy commitment you would like to make. Each therapy session is typically 50 minutes.
Q. If I am in really bad shape, what will the counselor/therapist do?
A. Professionals are trained to help people with quite substantial problems. However, should it appear that you need medication or even hospitalization, you and the therapist would work out a reasonable plan to do this, appropriate to you and your situation. If you were clearly on the verge of harming yourself or someone else, then immediate care would be given.
A. Call the office of Student Counseling at once at ext 1819 and ask to speak to a therapist. If Student Counseling is not open, call Lumpkin County Emergency Services at 1-800-347-5827 or 911. Also, the campus Department of Public Safety can be called at extension 1500 to stay with you until further help arrives.
Q. What if I am concerned about a friend?
A. Very often people will respond to a friend's help before that of a therapist. So, call or make an appointment with a counselor and get some advice on what you might do. However, if your friend is in a crisis, seek help immediately.