Mission

At SCSU Counseling Services, we strive to promote our students’ success, mental health, and well-being by empowering students to navigate the challenges of college life and to overcome any internal barriers to achieving their academic and personal goals.

Counseling Services provides a range of free and confidential brief, goal-directed, mental health treatment services to students, as well as a variety of training and outreach programs that promote holistic well-being for individuals and the larger campus community.

Commitment to Inclusivity for All

Counseling Services is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values the diverse backgrounds of all students. We understand that various forms of discrimination and injustice can adversely affect mental health and wellbeing. Our team is committed to providing equitable support to every student, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by individuals from different backgrounds. We strive to create a safe and affirming space for everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or spiritual affiliation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, body size, life experience, or other factors. We are here to support you.

Confidentiality

Counseling Services adheres to all professional ethical standards, as well as all appropriate state and federal laws. Once a student has engaged in treatment, Counseling Services is not permitted to disclose any information, including the fact that they have attended counseling, without their informed consent. Records at Counseling Services are kept fully confidential and are not part of a student’s academic or medical record. The primary exception to this rule is if the student is in significant danger of causing harm to themselves or others. Additionally, there are special considerations for students who are 17 years of age or younger.

Scope of Practice

All enrolled SCSU students are eligible to receive a free and confidential initial consultation to clarify their treatment goals and develop a plan to address their specific needs. At times, a student's requests or treatment needs extend beyond that which can be reasonably offered at Counseling Services. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Students who appear to need long-term treatment beyond the scope of our services  
• Students who need services other than what is offered at the Counseling Services  
• Students who need services beyond the clinical expertise of Counseling Services staff
• Students who are unable to adhere to treatment recommendations 
• Students who require mandated treatment 
• Students who are already receiving ongoing therapy with another mental health provider 
• Students seeking medication management or refills only (without concurrent therapy at Counseling Services)
• Students seeking certain types of medication, such as stimulants.
    

In such instances, Counseling Services staff will assist students in identifying referrals to off-campus providers  or programs that can better provide these services. 

Substance Use, Addiction, and Recovery Services

Substance Use, Addiction, and Recovery Services serves as the campus resource for students seeking information on recovery supports and counseling for compulsive addictive behaviors including substance use, internet gaming, gambling, and others.

Southern students have access to multiple resources, programs and services that aim to reduce harmful consequences associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs and to support you in achieving your personal and academic goals.