Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Benefit from Counseling?
What Kinds of Problems Do Students Bring In?
How much does it cost?
What can I expect when I come in to the SCC for the first time?
Good to Know
Confidentiality
Respect
What about Antidepressant or Anti-Anxiety Medications
Online Screenings

1. Who Can Benefit from Counseling?

Counseling is not just for those who suffer from serious psychological problems. All of us have times in our lives when we could benefit from talking with a caring, professional listener about the things that hurt us, puzzle us or concern us; about old hurts that just won’t go away; about how to get out of life what we really need and want. It’s perfectly normal for any one of us to need assistance at times. It is also common that during adjustment to university, self-doubts may arise, or stress may temporarily get the best of you. This is where our counselors can be of assistance to you.

Top

2. What Kinds of Problems Do Students Bring In?

• Sadness or depressed feelings
• Roommate troubles
• Overwhelmed with academics and relationships
• Recent romantic problems or a breakup
• A pattern of picking the wrong man or woman to date
• Homesickness or trouble fitting in at Tarleton
• Missing friends and family too much or too often
• Trouble sleeping too much or too little
• Worrying too much or too often
• Disordered eating habits or an eating disorder
• Feeling isolated from or out of step with others
• Anxious feelings especially generalized or out of control
• Drinking too much or thinking about drinking too much
• Sexual assault, date rape, sexual abuse issues
• Domestic violence and violence against women
• Need someone to help make an important decision
• Meeting your own and your family’s expectations

Top

3. How much does it cost?

There is no charge for services at the SCC. The SCC is funded through your student services fees.

Top

4. What can I expect when I come in to the SCC for the first time?

Paperwork:

During your first visit, you will be asked to complete our intake forms. (You can download the Welcome Letter and Intake Form from our web site to complete and bring with you.) It is important that you complete the paperwork as honestly and accurately as possible so that your counselor can determine which services are best suited to help.

Meeting with a counselor:

The first interview will be with an intake counselor who will talk with you about your needs and the ways in which the Counseling Center might be able to help. Options may include: individual, couples or group counseling, career counseling, or referral to another office or service provider better suited to your needs. It is possible that you will leave the intake appointment feeling able to handle things without additional counseling. Please note: your intake counselor may not be the counselor with whom you continue to meet.

Top

5. Good to Know:

The Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists requires us to inform potential clients that, in addition to the gains and positive outcomes that are associated with counseling and therapy, some “side effects” are possible. Because counseling involves discussing issues that have or are presenting you with some difficulty, you may find: 1) the energy it takes to focus on your issue(s) may make it harder to concentrate on other things as much as you’d like; 2) emotions may be more available to you and you may feel moodier; 3) you may see things in new or different ways and this may be confusing or difficult for a short time; and 4) relationships may be affected as you examine interpersonal issues.

Top

6. Confidentiality:

Information obtained during counseling or in written form through testing will not be disclosed to anyone without your written permission. Legally, however, we are require to disclose information to:

• protect you or someone else from imminent danger,
• report suspected abuse of children, the elderly, or the disabled
• report suspected sexual exploitation of a client by a therapist,
• respond to a court subpoena.

All counselors at the Student Counseling Center are committed to the ethical standards of practice as set forth by the American Psychological Assoc., American Counseling Assn, and the State of Texas.

Top

7. Respect:

You can expect to be treated with respect by your counselor and the staff of the SCC. As much as possible, your appointments will begin and end on time. We will attempt to contact you if rescheduling is needed. You can expect your counselor’s full attention during sessions. You may ask questions regarding your counselor’s training and qualifications. You may ask about the counseling process, or any specific counseling strategies your counselor may suggest. You are encouraged to discuss your progress and review your goals with your counselor. If you feel that you are not making progress toward your goals, you should discuss this directly with your counselor. You have the right to terminate counseling at any time if you so desire, and to request referral to another counselor.

Top

8. What about Antidepressant or Anti-Anxiety Medications?

You’ve probably seen television commercials for various medications, or perhaps friends or family members have used medication successfully. For many people, medication is a helpful adjunct to therapy. If you and your counselor determine that a referral is appropriate for you, you can be referred to the Student Health Center for a medication consultation.

Top

9. Online Screenings:

The SCC subscribes to an online screening program intended to help our students get some ideas about issues that can seriously affect their lives. Each screening will take between 4 and 5 minutes to complete, and the results can be printed for your reference. Just remember – the results you get are NOT intended to indicate a diagnosis. They are intended to start you thinking about feelings, behaviors and thoughts that may be causing you concern. The questions asked and how you answer make a good starting point for conversation with an SCC professional.

To start the online screenings, click here. Type the keyword "Tarleton" at the prompt. If you have any questions about the screening, please call the Counseling Center at 968-9044.

Please be assured: online screenings are completely confidential. We do not collect any unique identifying information such as names, email addresses or IP addresses. No one will see your individual results except you.

Top