What can I expect from my first appointment?
- Students will meet with a counselor on their first appointment for approximately 1 hour to determine if counseling, case management, psychological testing, or psychiatry is what's best. The first portion of this appointment will be dedicated to completing a few questionnaires. Prior to your first appointment, you will also receive an email with forms to fill. If you aren't able to complete this ahead of time, you should still come to your appointment.
Are my services confidential?
- All communication with counselor will be held in confidence and will not be revealed to anyone unless you give written authorization to release the information. PLEASE NOTE: There are legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality which require that the counselor take responsible action. Please refer to Counseling Services Informed Consent for additional information.
Do I need to have insurance to access services?
- No, Counseling Services does not bill insurance for services. Our services are available to all currently enrolled Metro State University students during their period of enrollment at the institution.
Is there a session limit for services?
- There is no session limit for services. Counselors work on a person-centered model and will adjust treatment to meet each individual's needs.
Do you provide academic advising or admissions counseling?
- Although we do not provide academic advising or admissions counseling, we do assist students with academic skill development as well as career exploration, in addition to the psychological services we provide.
What if I am already established with a counselor in the community?
- If you are already established with a mental health provider and happy with their services, we encourage you to remain with that provider. If you are already established with a mental health provider but dissatisfied with their services, please contact us to schedule an initial appointment.
What happens if I need to change or miss my appointment?
- We ask that you notify us within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment. If you miss a scheduled appointment and we do not hear from you, we will send you an email, or contact you by phone asking if you want to continue with counseling. If you do not respond, we will assume you are no longer interested in counseling and services will be terminated. If you no-show or late cancel 3 scheduled appointments within an academic year, you will need to speak to a counselor regarding your eligibility for continued services.
Do you offer evening appointments?
- Our latest appointment of the day is 4 p.m.
Do you offer groups, family, or couples counseling?
- We periodically offer groups. Although we do not offer couples or family counseling, if you are having concerns in this area, please still schedule an appointment and our counselors can help determine the best approach to finding you care.
Can I schedule an appointment for someone else?
- No, counseling is a personal choice. We encourage each student to reach out when they feel it is the right time for them.
Do you provide letters of support for disabilities, emotional support animals, gender affirming treatments etc.?
- No, however we can help get students connected to providers who may be able to assist.
Do you provide counseling services to staff or faculty?
- No, we cannot provide counseling to staff or faculty. We encourage you to utilize the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and can assist you in finding a community provider as well.