Frequently Asked Questions
- Why would I see a counselor?
- How much does counseling cost?
- Do I need to be referred?
- Can anyone make me go to counseling?
- Is this confidential?
- How does counseling work?
- How often would I see the counselor?
- How long does counseling last?
- When do you refer to other providers?
- How do I make an appointment?
Why would I see a counselor?
People visit the counseling center for a variety of reasons. Many college students
received treatment for mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, substance
abuse, etc. prior to arriving on campus and may need continuing treatment. Others
do not have a mental health diagnosis, but have discovered that life is presenting
more challenges than they feel they are equipped to handle. Counseling provides a
safe place to discuss the issues you are facing and can help you find healthy ways
to cope with them. Students frequently seeking counseling to address: feelings of
sadness that won’t go away, feelings of homesickness that are interfering with their
social life or school work, roommate conflicts, dating issues, overwhelming stress
and/or anxiety, eating disorders, low self-esteem, parental issues, social anxiety,
alcohol/drug related issues, and anger control.
How much does counseling cost?
Counseling is free to all Lincoln Memorial University students unless you are referred
to an outside provider.
Do I need to be referred?
No. You may call the counseling center at any time to schedule an appointment. Your
professors, RA, RD or other faculty or staff members may recommend you make an appointment
based on their interactions with you; but you do not require a referral.
Can anyone make me go to counseling?
Counseling is totally voluntary, except in cases in which it is deemed necessary
as part of a disciplinary action. This will be handled by Student Services staff.
In spite of the possibility of a mandatory referral, confidentiality will still be
maintained unless imminent danger is revealed.
Is this confidential?
Absolutely. Your visits with the counselor are strictly confidential. This confidentiality
will be broken only if the counselor thinks you are a threat to yourself or someone
else, if you disclose information about child or elder abuse, or in other cases which
are mandated by the laws of the state of Tennessee.
How does counseling work?
Counseling provides a safe environment to share all your feelings. You will do most
of the talking, and the counselor will ask questions to help you express your thoughts
and feelings. The goal is that, as you identify your feelings and explore why you
may feel the way you do, you and the counselor will gain clarity on your particular
situation. The counselor will also teach you specific techniques and/or assign specific
activities to help you overcome your presenting issue. Each counseling session is
focused on you and what your needs are, so it is your responsibility to tell the counselor
if there is something specific you do or do not want to work on in that session.
How often would I see the counselor?
You and the counselor will decide together how often you should meet. Usually, you
meet once a week or once every other week.
How long does counseling last?
This can vary based on the individual and the presenting problem. You and the counselor
will decide together when you have met your goals and no longer need regular counseling
sessions. Some issues can be resolved in 2-8 sessions while other issues may require
ongoing supportive counseling. You have the right to discontinue counseling at any
time or request a referral to another provider.
When do you refer to other providers?
This happens in many instances. If the student prefers, the counselor can assist
him/her with locating a local provider that may better meet their needs. If the issues
indicated are life-threatening or require medical intervention; there may be a need
to refer to a higher level of care such as provided by the local mental health center.
But once again, the counselor will assist you in all of these.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please see the online scheduling calendar below for available times.