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 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Counseling Services is committed to the promotion and celebration of diversity in all its forms. We recognize the negative impact that racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression can have on the well-being of our students and are dedicated to supporting all who have been affected by discrimination and injustice. We also acknowledge the ways in which health care systems have not always served these groups well and are committed to advancing SCSU’s social justice mission. Our counselors strive to offer a safe and affirming environment for people of all races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, religious or spiritual affiliations, ages, abilities, classes, body shapes or sizes, and life experiences. We look forward to welcoming 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.