Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Individual counseling for personal problems is available to all full time and part time students. The counseling offered is professional and confidential. The counseling is also offered at no cost to the student, and is included in the fees that are paid in tuition.
For some students crisis intervention will be the main service provided, but for others the focus of the counseling will be on helping the student make better and healthier decisions for his or her life.
If you find that the problems you are experiencing are creating major distractions in your ability to sleep, concentrate, or focus on classwork, it may be beneficial for you to schedule an intake so that a counselor may assist in determining the level of intervention you might need. This could include using the 10 sessions per academic year for which you are eligible, or a referral to an outside provider.
No, you do not. The Office of Counseling Services is a voluntary service which means you may feel free to use, or not use the services at any time. The care and concern of professors and staff for students often involves informing them about the support offices on campus to enhance the academic experience. This is why faculty and staff regularly refer students to use this office. We appreciate referrals because we want to provide assistance, however the ultimate choice to come ot counseling is that of the student and no one can be forced to attend.
Appointments are best scheduled by contacting the office at iunoocs@iu.edu with your IU student email address. After you submit a request to schedule a session, you will then be sent a confidential link to submit required paperwork. After the paperwork is submitted, you will be contacted by phone to schedule your first counseling session. Scheduling requests will only be responded to via IU email.
Emails are checked and returned during office hours of Monday - Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm and Friday 8:00am-4:00pm.
The process begins with an intake interview and an evaluation of the student's circumstances and presenting concerns. Typically, this is completed in the first session or two. Solution-oriented goals are then established for short-term counseling which is typically accomplished within ten sessions per academic year. During these sessions, the client and the counselor explore possibilities for growth and change.
When symptoms/concerns persist after several sessions with consistent attendance, it is ethical and best practice to make a referral to a community mental health provider or a provider that can provide longer-term/specialized care. Attention will be given to assist the client to make a transition with continuity of care as a priority.
