FAQ

Where is the Counseling Center?

We are in Early-Fielding, Suite 116. Just enter the main entrance and turn left.

How long does it take to get a first appointment in the Counseling Center?

In most cases, students are scheduled within a few days of contacting us. The more filters you apply, such as wanting to be seen at a particular day or time, preference for a particular gender/culture/ethnicity of counselor or counselor with a particular specialization, or perhaps even preference for a particular counselor, then there is a greater likelihood it will take longer to schedule your first appointment.

What happens during a first appointment?

Intake appointments generally last one hour and provide the opportunity for the counselor and you to get to know each other. These appointments typically begin with a review of your consent for treatment and other forms and questionnaires you filled out prior to coming in. In addition, at intake you will discuss key aspects of your background and history, such as your family relationships, social history, educational history, hobbies and interests, medical/medication history, your current symptoms and their history, and goals for treatment.

Can students be seen on a regular basis?

University Counseling operates out of a brief therapy/individualized care model that has a strong evidence base and allows the most students to access our services. We use a functional assessment questionnaire, administered at Intake and then as needed throughout treatment, to gauge overall functioning and to help determine needed frequency of sessions.

How diverse is the counseling staff?

At W&L, we are fortunate to have assembled a team with considerable professional diversity (professional counselors, clinical social workers, counseling/clinical psychologists, and a psychiatric nurse practitioner), gender diversity (six women, two men), racial/ethnic diversity (two full-time and one part-time women of color), and diversity of sexual identity (one LGBTQ-identifying counselor). Each of these variables allows us to approach our work through a more inclusive lens.

What if I need care after hours or on weekends?

University Counseling is open 8:30am-5:00pm Monday through Friday when undergraduate classes are in session (9:00am-5:00pm when only Law is in session). Outside of those hours, counseling via phone, text, and tele-therapy is available through My SSP. My SSP provides free access to a pool of over 35,000 mental health professionals. Emergency care, defined as need to protect from harm to self or others, is also available by calling Public Safety at 540-458-8999, 911, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or 911.

What if I just want medication?

As with all requests for services, you would just indicate on your registration form what brings you to the Center/what you are interested in. Our Director will review your materials and assign your case to the most suitable provider. Medications alone are sometimes indicated, sometimes not.

What if I want to be assessed for AD/HD or some other condition?

W&L does not do assessments for AD/HD but refers those out. We keep a current listing of providers in the local area who can assist with this. Insurance may or may not cover these types of assessments, and they can run into the hundreds of dollars.

Does the counseling center sometimes refer students to providers off campus?

Yes. If we are asked for referral information in the form of names of local counselors, we are happy to provide it. And while wait times to see counselors in private practice across the US have increased in recent years, the availability of tele-therapy seems to be helping with this problem. In addition, we suggest checking out a searchable database of counselors in the local area, region, and Commonwealth at www.psychologytoday.com. As with our services at W&L, the more filters you apply, the longer your wait times might be.