1. CSU Counseling Services
Information for Students about Counseling Services
Kimberly Perkins, LPC, NCC, LAC
Director of Counseling Services
AH 109

2. Counseling is a means of gaining confidential help for problems or concerns from a trained professional.
Someone safe to talk to who knows what they are doing.
What is Counseling?
Why do you think there is so much stigma around going to counseling?
For next slide…why might someone seek out counseling?

3. Examples of student concerns
Difficulty in relationships with friends or family
Anxiety, can’t relax, poor sleep
Missing your friends from back home
Concerns about reaching academic potential
Feelings of sadness, withdrawal, depression, irritability
Concerns about alcohol or drugs
Questions about dieting and body image
Issues with food such as overeating or under-eating
Examples of student concerns
Have you ever known anyone struggling w/ any of these? Have you ever struggled w/ any of these?

4. Do I need to have a mental illness to see a counselor?
NO. Seeing a counselor does not mean that you are “crazy.”
Everyone can benefit from having a counselor, mentor, or advisor.
Sometimes life is just confusing, sometimes overwhelming
We don’t fix people, we listen, encourage, and make suggestions.
Do I need to have a mental illness to see a counselor?
It is not “taboo” for people to visit their doctor when they are physically sick. Why is it any different w/ mental health?
Most mental health concerns are intangible. People are afraid of things that they can’t physically see and touch

5. Counseling Services Staff
Kimberly Perkins, LPC, NCC, LAC
Director of Counseling Services
Frank Budd, Ph.D., ABPP
Counseling Psychologist
Graduate Interns
Nancy Moore
Rico Hall
John Karabees
Charles West
VITAL (Veteran’s Integration into Academic Leadership)
Counseling Services Staff
Brief background info on all Counseling Services staff
Operate from a Christian Worldview
Counselor’s are master’s level graduates of regionally accredited professional counselor programs, have completed extensive counseling internships, and are licensed as Professional Counselors in the state of SC. They also frequently attend professional conferences and workshops to remain up-to-date with the latest advances in mental health. Counseling Services also operates as a training site for counseling interns in graduate school. Each intern is supervised on a weekly basis to ensure the services being offered are appropriate and within the scope of the interns’ competency while in graduate school and under supervision.

6. Who is eligible to use the Counseling Center?
All current students of CSU are welcome to use Counseling Services without charge
We also maintain a list of community resources and referrals for the Charleston area
Who is eligible to use the Counseling Center?

7. Your privacy is extremely important
Your privacy is extremely important! Client information will not be released on or off campus without your informed written consent except where ethical and legal limits to confidentiality are required.
Legal limits to confidentiality include:
Indications of clear and imminent danger to self or others
Suspected child or elder abuse/neglect
Proper, legal court order directing release of information to a particular court or judge
Confidentiality

8. Your sessions/records at Counseling Services do not go on your official student record.
Confidentiality, cont.
All counseling notes (including attendance) are stored separately in the counseling center and only counseling services staff have access to these records.
Mention confidentiality agreement w/ work-study students

9. Medication Counseling Services staff does not prescribe medications.
If it is determined that medication would be a beneficial part of your treatment then referrals may be provided – if you agree
Medication
We’re not anti medication (we just don’t have a psychiatrist on staff)
Most people get better w/o taking any medication

10. Are there time limits as to how long I can meet with my counselor?
Counseling sessions typically last approximately 50 minutes
The first session typically lasts between minutes
Although we do not have limits on the number of sessions, experience suggests that if counseling time is used well, most clients are able to make substantial progress in 5 to 7 sessions
Are there time limits as to how long I can meet with my counselor?

11. Counseling Services is located on the 2nd floor of Russell West (short hall)
Location

12. Counseling Services office hours are Monday- Friday, from 9:00am – 5:00pm

13. Call us at or,
Stop by our office and speak with a receptionist
Making an Appointment

14. Common Questions Can I bring a friend?
Can I make an appointment for someone else?
Can my professor make an appointment for me?
What happens if I miss an appointment?
Can I come in to talk about someone else?
Can someone receive counseling via phone, , video messaging, etc.?
What if I need assistance after hours?
Common Questions

15. Other Common Questions
Where can a person get help with study skills like note-taking or doing better on exams?
The Learning Center is available to help students acquire study skills (located in the Russell West breezeway).
Other Common Questions
Also mention the Writing Center located in NH

16. Other Common Questions
Where can a person receive assistance with career-related questions?
The Career Center is available to help students with career related questions (located on the first floor of the Strom Thurmond Center).
Other Common Questions
We do meet w/ students to talk about the counseling profession

17. Other Common Questions and CSU Resources
Which office can help with disability questions or requests for accommodations?
You may ask questions or seek accommodations through our Director of Student Success, Dr. Annie Watson ( ).
Her office is located in the Student Success Center, which is on the first floor of the Strom Thurmond Center.
Other Common Questions and CSU Resources

18. Other things we do Events
Examples: Arrive Alive, Heart Smart Week, Stress Busters, Workshops for academic departments
Guest Speaking
Other things we do

19. Common alcohol-related problems on non-dry campuses:
45% did something later regretted
43% experienced memory loss
38% missed a class
38% got in an argument or fight  
33% drove a car while intoxicated
31% performed poorly on a test
21% have been hurt or injured
CSU is a “DRY” Campus

20. Marijuana interferes with the very skills you need to be successful at school. Poor: concentration, short-term memory, knowledge acquisition, ability to organize thoughts, and judgment/decision-making..
Cognitive impairments resulting from smoking marijuana can last up to at least 28 days after an individual last smoked the drug.
Marijuana used these days is much stronger so the negative effects are much stronger (ex. psychosis)
This includes “WEED” and all other illegal drugs, including using someone else’s prescriptions

21. Conclusion We are FREE We are good We protect your privacy
Don’t wait till your problems are “really bad”, come in early
Location: Russell West, 2nd floor
Hours: Mon-Fri. 9:00-5:00
Contact:
Website: charlestonsouthern.edu/counseling
Conclusion
MINDFUL BREATHING EXERCISE!

22. Questions Have You?
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