FAQ
What is counseling?
Counseling encompasses a wide variety of approaches to help people deal with personal difficulties and learn new ways to handle problems. At the core of all counseling is a relationship of trust and respect between the counselor and the client. The focus may be on the immediate concern or may include the past history of the person in school, in the family, with friends. Counseling may focus on feelings or on thoughts or behavior. It may consist mostly of talking, or it may include reading, exercises, and practice of various skills. At Student Counseling Services, we tailor our services to the individual and make a treatment plan in collaboration with each person to best meet his or her needs.
Isn't counseling only for "crazy" people?
Many people use and benefit from counseling. Although in some countries it is not customary, in the U.S. counseling is a fairly common component of health care—with a focus on interpersonal, emotional, and mental health. Counseling not only helps people feel better and more able to handle life’s stresses but also improves the outcome for many physical illnesses. People who use counseling are not “crazy”—but they are interested in living in a more satisfying and effective way.
Shouldn't I be able to handle my problems myself?
People sometimes think that it is weak to seek or use help. On the contrary, it may often be a sign of strength to acknowledge a difficulty and find resources to help solve it.
What qualifications does the staff have for counseling?
Our Student Counseling Services' professional staff all have their doctorates in psychology or medicine, and are licensed to practice in Illinois. We also train externs from local graduate programs in psychology who are studying for a doctorate. We closely supervise them to assure services of high quality.
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who holds an M.D. and can prescribe medicine in the state of Illinois. A clinical psychologist holds a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and does not prescribe medicine. Rather, a psychologist typically provides psychotherapy or counseling. At Student Counseling Services many students meet with a psychologist once per week for psychotherapy. For those students who are taking medication they may also meet with our psychiatrist once or twice per month.
What if I need medication?
After speaking with a counselor at least once, we may refer you to our psychiatrist or another of your choosing for an evaluation for medication. Medication can be particularly helpful with depressions that involve significant disturbances of sleep, appetite, and energy level; bipolar disorders that involve large swings in mood and energy level; and some types of anxiety, eating disorders, and other conditions. We encourage people who benefit from medicine to use it with counseling to get a full array of benefits from treatments.
Who will find out if I use counseling?
The confidentiality of our services is protected by our professional ethics and by state laws. We typically do not reveal anything about you, including the fact that you are a client, without your permission. There are exceptions to this policy, such as when a therapist has a concern an individual is at risk of seriously hurting him/herself or someone else.
What does counseling cost?
Student Counseling Services are free of charge for IIT students. Appointments with our psychiatrist do have a fee, but we have negotiated with the IIT student health insurance to waive the deductible and co-payments if we file the claims for you. If you see a psychiatrist elsewhere or use other insurance, there typically will be fees involved. If you decide to take medication, you will have to pay for that medication, although it should be covered in part by insurance.
How do I get started in counseling?
We start with a student's making a request for services, either walk-in or by phone. There is a form to complete that consists of some demographic information and information about the difficulties being experienced. We ask on the form if students consider their situation an emergency. If someone feels they have a very urgent situation that must be addressed immediately, coming into Student Counseling Services and telling us that they need to be seen right away is appropriate. Otherwise, we will ask about times available and usually will set up an appointment with one of the counselors within a few days. We are open Monday thru Friday, 9-5.
Last modified: 05/01/2012 16:51:54