introduction to services at the Counseling Center Mark starts The Catholic University of America Counseling Center

Contact Info and Hours of Operation On Campus: 127 O’Boyle Hall First floor, take a right after entering the main doors Phone: (202) 319-5765 Website: counseling.cua.edu Social Media: @CUAcounseling Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Hours of Operation- School Year Monday – Thursday: 9am to 7pm Fridays: 9am to 5pm

Counseling Center Staff 2016-2017 6 Staff Psychologists 2 Staff Social Workers 1 Part-time Psychiatrist 3 Psychology Interns 10 Externs: 6 Psychology and 4 Social Work 6 Practicum counselors

Overview of Services Individual Therapy Free for full-time students & evening Law Students 1x/week, 45-session limit Group Therapy Free for all students, usually 90-minutes, variety of topics Medication Consultation Current clients only (free) Walk-In Services Let’s Talk Emergency Assessment and referral Free initial meeting for all enrolled students Intended to assist and consult in emergency situations

Therapy Groups Planned for Fall 2016/Spring 2017 Understanding Self and Others Empowerment Group Social Confidence Group Mindfulness MOSAIC

Walk-In Appointments Let’s Talk Emergency Informal meeting for non-urgent matters Support, suggestions, and recommendations to address specific concern Brief: ~ 15-20 minutes Walk-in only during business hours Brief paperwork Max of 2 Let’s Talk consults per semester Meeting for urgent matters Counselor will evaluate student’s safety and offer support, suggestions, and recommendations to address specific concern Brief: ~20-30 minutes Walk-in only during business hours Brief paperwork

Confidentiality Client rights to confidentiality are protected by District of Columbia law, the American Psychological Association’s Ethics Code and the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics. It is both illegal and unethical to violate rights to confidentiality. Any student, 18 or above must give written permission to allow the release of information regarding any contact with the center. Exception to confidentiality immediate danger to self or others

when to consult or refer When you are doing more “counseling” with a student than feels appropriate The problems or requests made are outside the scope of your role with a student After some effort, you feel like you are not making progress in helping a student When you wonder if a student has a disability or is struggling psychologically

How to Refer Ask “Are you talking to someone about this?” Express your concerns directly to the student with a focus on observed behaviors (avoid offering diagnostic labels) Let the student know that the issues he or she is discussing with you are not your area of expertise or training Normalize seeking help Encourage the student to call the Counseling Center and make his or her own appointment If urgent, call from your office to consult and assist the student with a walk-in emergency assessment Follow up with the student to check on status and follow-through

Questions?