Counseling Center Q&A• What exactly is counseling and how can it help me? • What will my first appointment be like? • Will others in the CCAD community know I am meeting with a counselor? • How do I make a first-time appointment? • What is the cost associated with Counseling Services at CCAD? • Are Counseling Services available to Faculty and Staff at CCAD? • What do I do in the case of a mental health emergency? What exactly is counseling and how can it help me?A common misconception is that a counselor or therapist fixes the problems of others who are unable, too “weak,” or are unwilling to resolve their own difficulties. This perception is inaccurate for two reasons. Counselors are trained in providing a supportive, therapeutic, and challenging arena in which a client can identify hurdles to their success and develop new coping skills to overcome the impact of existing obstacles. Whether an individual is grappling with the death of a loved one, adjusting to the demands of college, or depression, counseling fosters growth and assists in developing and utilizing tools. Although it does not “fix” the problems of another person, it provides resources and tools that the individual can implement to manage and lessen the impact of their difficulties. Secondly, individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds inevitably find themselves faced with challenges that strain or exceed their ability to manage their difficulties on their own. Seeking counseling services and the support of others indicates strength, and is not a sign of weakness or inadequacy. Oftentimes, the unbiased perspective of trained counselor or therapist allows people to examine their distress in a new light; this unique perspective is often invaluable in grappling with life’s difficulties. What will my first appointment be like?People are at times somewhat skeptical about opening up and speaking with a counselor about personal, sensitive material. An initial session provides students with the opportunity to learn more about the services provided on campus and how counseling services might assist them in reaching their goals. Students by no means make a lasting commitment to counseling simply by making an initial appointment. A student’s first appointment (or intake) allows the counseling staff to assess the student and determine (with the students active input) the level at which counseling services and/or off-campus agencies would be of most benefit. This is accomplished through a very thorough history-taking and an open dialogue between the counseling staff and the student. Students are then linked with a counselor who will best match their presenting concerns. A student may or may not work with the staff member they meet with during their intake appointment. CCAD contracts with several qualified, independently licensed mental health professionals to ensure that the diverse needs of students are carefully addressed. These contracted individuals come to CCAD in order to meet with students in the confidential setting of the counseling office, and the student insurance plan is billed by the provider. Will others in the CCAD community know I am meeting with a counselor?Absolutely not. Counseling records are securely maintained within the counseling office only, and are not a part of your academic records at CCAD. Instructors, other students, parents/family, and staff do not have access to knowing who is or is not using our services. Students seeing a counselor would need to sign a form to allow their counselor to have any contact whatsoever with CCAD faculty, staff, family, and others. The one and only exception to this is if a student is at risk for hurting themselves or for harming others, in which case Campus Safety & Security and/or the proper authorities would be contacted in order to keep the student and others safe. Our services are primarily targeted towards those students who seek counseling services on a voluntary basis; however, in some cases we work alongside those students who are mandated counseling services as a result of legal or disciplinary action. In cases where a student is mandated to receive counseling services, they are typically required to sign a release of information in order for the counseling office to have contact with the referral source as needed. How do I make a first-time appointment?An intake appointment can be made by calling the One Stop at 222.3295 or simply stopping by during office hours (Mon. through Fri. from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm). Appointments are strongly preferred, though not required. Walk-in appointments can be accommodated at times, though the availability of counseling staff often varies. Evening appointments are available in limited quantities. If it is after normal business hours or on a weekend or holiday, and you have an urgent need to speak with someone immediately, you can call Netcare Access at 614.276.2273. This is a 24-hour per day hotline for mental health emergencies. What is the cost associated with Counseling Services at CCAD?There is no out-of-pocket cost to you as long as you are enrolled as a CCAD student. The student insurance plan allows you to receive a limited number of sessions with no co-pay or cost to you. Please call the Director of Counseling & Wellness at 614.222.4000 for further details. Are Counseling Services available to Faculty and Staff at CCAD?Counseling Services are made available to current CCAD students only. Faculty and Staff are directed to the Useful Links & Local Resources information below, which provides referral information for some of the available mental health and recovery treatment options in Central Ohio. What if I need medication prescribed for my symptoms? Can I obtain a prescription for psychiatric medication (e.g., anti-depressants) from the Counseling & Wellness office?There is not an on-campus physician who can prescribe medication; however, the Counseling & Wellness staff assists students in locating resources in the Columbus-area where students can be evaluated, assessed, and monitored by a physician. Referrals for a medication evaluation are given to students on a case by case basis. I’ve been in counseling, a rehabilitation program, or hospitalized for mental health reasons before. What exactly will the counseling office at CCAD need to know about my previous treatment?The more information a student provides to the Counseling & Wellness office about their history, the better. Students who have received mental health or substance abuse services elsewhere are strongly encouraged, and in some cases required, to sign a release form in order for the Counseling & Wellness staff to contact previous providers. This communication facilitates comprehensive and thorough mental health and/or substance abuse care. The more candid a student is about their previous treatment, the better opportunity the CCAD counseling office has of providing quality services. What do I do in the case of a mental health emergency?Call Netcare at 614.276.2273 or Suicide Prevention Services at 614.221.5445 if you are having thoughts or harming yourself or others, or if you feel your concerns are urgent and you cannot wait to speak with counseling staff during the next business day. You should immediately call 9-1-1 or report to the nearest emergency room if you feel in danger of causing harm to yourself or those around you. CCAD Safety & Security (614.222.6165) can transport students to local hospitals or crisis centers if a student requires further evaluation and observation beyond the scope of the CCAD counseling center. Safety & Security has the capability of reaching counseling staff when an urgent need arises after normal business hours and on weekends.
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