What to expect from counseling

Counseling means sitting down with a counselor or in a group setting to talk about mental health issues (i.e., anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, etc.) to help you come to some resolution or satisfaction regarding concerns.

  • How do I set up an appointment?

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    Attend a triage/walk-in appointment. You do not need to call before you come; just come to A-1120. You will complete about 5-8 minutes of paperwork and then meet with a counselor for approximately 30-40 additional minutes. The counselor will go over your paperwork, listen to your concerns and assess your needs. Some students who attend a triage/walk-in appointment are seen at the Student Counseling Center for counseling, however, sometimes that student and counselor will determine together that there may be other services either on or off campus that are a better fit for their needs. 

  • What do you talk about with a counselor?

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    GSU students come from many different backgrounds and walks of life. At the Student Counseling Center students have sought counseling to receive support for a number of concerns, including, but not limited to: relationship problems including family concerns, social issues, homesickness, or break-ups, feelings such as anger, worry, anxiety, sadness, depression, loneliness, suicide or guilt, personal habits and problems including abusing alcohol or drugs, sexual abuse or assault, body image and eating habits, perfectionism/procrastination or coping with stress and anxiety and identity and self-esteem concerns like issues of gender identity, sexual orientation, negative or self-defeating thinking, lack of confidence and difficulty adjusting to college.

  • How often do I meet with a counselor?

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    The Student Counseling Center operates under a time-limited model of individual counseling, meaning students typically meet with a counselor around 6-8 sessions. However some students may meet longer  (e.g., during their entire time at GSU), but some meet for fewer sessions depending on their needs. Students usually meet with their counselor once a week for 45-50 minutes.

  • Does anyone else have to know about me coming to counseling?

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    Counseling is confidential in nature, meaning we do not release or talk to anyone regarding the fact that counseling has been received or the nature of the concerns without written permission. However, therapists have a legal obligation for the safety of their clients. If a client is a danger to self or others (i.e, suicide or homicide), then it is the therapist’s legal responsibility to prevent harm; in these cases, others may be informed. Therapists are also obligated to report cases of child abuse and/or neglect as well as elder abuse and/or neglect. In these cases, reports are made to the proper state agency.

  • The counselor will tell you what to do and how to "fix" your problems

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    Counseling is not a “quick fix”cure to your problems. The counselor is there to help you explore your feelings, thoughts and concerns, to examine your options and to assist you in achieving your goals.

  • The counselor cannot understand you unless he/she has had similar experiences or is of the same background?

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    Counselors are trained to be sensitive to and respectful of individual differences, including the specific concerns of students with regard to gender, racial/ethnic, cultural, religious, age, sexual preferences/orientation, and socioeconomic issues.