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.