Common Questions
What is counseling?
Counseling—or psychotherapy—is a professional relationship with a therapist to help you with personal problems. The counseling relationship differs from both social friendships and traditional patient-doctor relationships. Rather than giving you specific advice, counselors serve as skilled listeners who help you clarify goals, work through issues, and explore feelings. Ultimately, psychotherapy helps you deal more effectively with your problems. Isn’t it better for me to solve problems on my own?
A counselor doesn’t solve your problems for you. Rather, he or she helps you clarify issues so you can solve problems on your own. The goal of counseling is to make you more self-sufficient, not more dependent. But I’m not crazy!
There is no such thing as "crazy," and you don’t have to be mentally ill to speak with a counselor. On the contrary, it’s a sign of health to recognize when you have a problem and to seek help for it.
Who will I see if I come to Counseling and Psychological Services?
Professional staff are licensed psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Graduate student counselors from the Departments of Psychology, Social Work, and Leadership and Counseling also provide services under the supervision of professional staff.
What kind of problems do students come to counseling for?
Students encounter many problems during college years and find support from friends, relatives, and EMU staff and faculty. Counseling and Psychological Services can help when concerns last too long, when the problem interferes with relationships, school or work, and when problems are complicated and are better handled by trained professionals.
Some of the most common issues we work with are:
- depression
- anxiety
- stress
- adjustment
- relationship issues
- grief
- assault
- substance use concerns
- suicidal thinking
We also work with clients who have many less-common concerns. If you have a problem that is outside of the scope of services provided at CAPS we will help you find appropriate treatment in the community.
Who can be seen for counseling?
- Students enrolled at least half-time ore more.
- Faculty and staff can be seen for brief consultation regarding concerns about students.
When can I see a counselor?
Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Regular counseling visits are scheduled in advance.
Emergencies do not require an advanced appointment!
Is there a charge for the services?
No. Services for counseling are provided to registered students at no cost.
What if I have an emergency?
See Emergency Resources.
What can I expect at my first visit to CAPS?
The first appointment will be scheduled for an hour. Prior to your appointment, you will be asked to complete some paperwork. At your visit, you will meet with a counselor who will ask you some questions regarding your current situation, and past history of treatment. Finally, the counselor will discuss treatment options with you. Will my counseling records be a part of my academic record?
All counseling records are confidential and are not part of the academic record. What if I need longer-term psychotherapy?
Counseling and Psychological Services staff will refer you to agencies and private psychotherapists in the community. Some agencies see students on a sliding-fee scale, so you are charged only what you can afford to pay. Many EMU students are covered under health insurance which often pays for mental health and substance abuse treatment. What kind of workshops do you offer?
We offer workshops on stress, healthy sleep, relationships, and more. For a comprehensive list, see our group therapy and workshops section. What can I do if I am concerned about a friend?
You can talk with a therapist by phone or set up a brief appointment to discuss what is happening with your friend and what you think you might be able to do to help. If you think it is a crisis, call immediately. What self-help resources are available?
You might look at resources in the self-help resources.