Who is eligible for counseling at the UMCC?
Any undergraduate or graduate/law/medical student who is currently enrolled at the University of Miami and has paid the Health Center and Counseling Center fee is eligible for an assessment at the Counseling Center. During the assessment students meet with a therapist to discuss current concerns, gather information about the student’s history and review recommendations for treatment. The recommended treatment may include ongoing individual or group therapy at the Counseling Center.
The Counseling Center generally offers limited short-term counseling. If you need or prefer long-term or weekly counseling, then an off-campus counselor may be a better fit for you. The Counseling Center does not offer long-term, intensive treatment generally required for substance abuse, eating disorders, or severe emotional difficulties. The Counseling Center psychiatric providers do not prescribe controlled substance, such as stimulants for ADHD (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta). Additionally, the Counseling Center does not prescribe benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin) on an ongoing basis.
How do I know if I should speak to a counselor?
People seek counseling for a variety of reasons. In general, you should consider making an appointment if you’re having difficulty that is interfering with school, work, important relationships, or personal functioning, or if you have been feeling distressed and you’re not able to feel better by doing the things that typically help you.
What can I expect at my initial counseling session (intake)?
When you arrive at the Counseling Center for an initial appointment, you will be asked to complete personal information forms on an iPad. You will then be greeted by your counselor, who will bring you back to his or her office. You will meet with your counselor for approximately 50 minutes and will discuss what brings you in to the Counseling Center as well as broader questions about your history, your relationships, and how you take care of yourself. You and your counselor will then develop a treatment plan that addresses your needs.
What if I don’t want to talk about something with a counselor?
Although we believe that counseling can be most helpful if you communicate freely with your counselor, we respect students’ rights to keep information private. A counselor will not force you to discuss any topics that you would prefer not to discuss.
