The counseling process begins by scheduling an appointment:

• call or stop by the office to schedule an appointment in advance
• walk-in" in the event of a crisis or emergency

Students new to UCS are usually scheduled with the first available counselor. This counselor will meet with you in an "initial consultation" to assess your needs and concerns. After your initial interview, if you are eligible for services at UCS, you will be assigned to either a counselor or a counseling group.  Individual counseling sessions are limited to eight (8) sessions per semester.  There is no limit to group counseling.

Assignments take into account your needs, concerns, and the times you are available for counseling. You will be contacted about your assignment within one week following your initial consultation.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All information and data of University Counseling Services are confidential and will not be disclosed to any other person or agency without the student' s consent, except as required by law and professional ethics.

EXAMPLES OF STUDENT CONCERNS

Throughout the academic year, students encounter difficult problems. In many instances, talking to a professional counselor is helpful. University Counseling Services is available for students who are dealing with a wide variety of personal , interpersonal, and family problems. The following statements are examples of typical counseling concerns:

"I'm so depressed; nothing is going right; I'm not sure I can make it."

"My family member is an alcoholic and there is always fighting at my house."

"My fiancé and I aren't getting along. We want things to be better between us before we set a date."

"I feel nervous all the time. I have too much to do, and feel so overwhelmed."

"I'm having a hard time making friends. I don't feel like I fit in, I'm not sure why."

"Something terrible happened to me when I was young. I need to talk to somebody about it."

"I can't seem to get over my mother's death. It's affecting school and everything."

FAST FACTS ABOUT UCS

• services are FREE to matriculated KU students
• services are CONFIDENTIAL
• INDIVIDUAL and/or GROUP counseling is available
• EMERGENCY services are available