Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who may use the NGCSU Student Counseling services?

2. Is there any fee?

3. How do I know if I need therapy/counseling?

4. Who will know what we talk about in a session?

5. What commitment do I make if I see a therapist?

6. If I am in really bad shape, what will the counselor/therapist do?

7. What if I feel suicidal?

8. What if I am concerned about a friend?

9. Does the counseling center do career counseling?

Q. Who may use the NGCSU Student Counseling services?

A. Any currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student working toward a degree may use the services. Also, any currently employed faculty or staff member is also eligible.

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Q. Is there any fee?

A. There are no fees for counseling services. Some fees for career related testing may apply when the testing is done as part of a class requirement.

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Q. How do I know if I need therapy/counseling?

A. The purpose of counseling is to help you to help yourself. If you sense that you are "stuck", confused, afraid, anxious, depressed or have some such similar feelings or state of mind, you probably could use the help of a professional who is trained to assist you in just such situations. To have such periods is perfectly normal and to seek help is a sign of wisdom not weakness.

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Q. Who will know what we talk about in a session?

A. Of course, the therapist will know and you will know and that is it. Only with your written permission may any information be shared with anyone else. The only exception is if it is necessary to tell someone else to protect you or another from imminent harm or a court of law orders the counselor's notes in a court case.

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Q. What commitment do I make if I see a therapist?

A. Therapy is to help you. When you think you no longer need help, discuss termination with your therapist. In the initial session, the counselor will give a professional opinion regarding how many sessions it appears you may need to be helped. Each therapy session is typically 45-50 minutes.

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Q. If I am in really bad shape, what will the counselor/therapist do?

A. Professionals are trained to help people with quite substantial problems. However, should it appear that you need medication or even hospitalization, you and the therapist would work out a reasonable plan to do this, appropriate to you and your situation. If you were clearly on the verge of harming yourself or someone else, then immediate care would be given to you.

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Q. What if I feel suicidal?

A. Call the counseling center at once and ask to speak to a therapist. If the center is not open, call Lumpkin County Emergency Services at 1-800-347-5827. Also, the campus security police can be called to stay with you until further help arrives.

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Q. What if I am concerned about a friend?

A. Very often people will respond to a friend's help before that of a therapist. So, call or make an appointment with the counselor and get some advice on what you might do. However, if your friend is in a crisis, seek help immediately.

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Q. Does the counseling office provide career counseling?

A. Yes. If you are undecided about a career or a major or second-guessing what you have already chosen, the center has ample resources to help you find your way. To be uncertain about such things is certainly normal behavior.

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