Individual Counseling

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The UM Counseling Center will be providing students their continued care through their choice of either meeting with a counselor via Telemental Health Option, either over the phone or video conferencing or in person at the Counseling Center.

Should a student be seen in-person, their healthcare provider may ask them to wear a mask (provider and patient).

Individual Counseling Information

  • The Counseling Center offers limited short-term individual and couples counseling.
  • Sessions are usually held every 2-3 weeks.
  • Sessions usually last 45 – 50 minutes.
  • Counseling sessions can address a variety of topics, such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, time management problems, stress management, identity formation concerns, adjustment issues, and many others.
  • If you are seeking couples counseling, both parties must be currently enrolled University of Miami students.
  • There is no charge for counseling for currently enrolled students who have paid the Health and Counseling Center fee.
  • If you need or prefer longer-term or more frequent counseling, then an off-campus counselor would probably 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. If you question whether off-campus counseling is right for you, you may give us a call for an evaluation of your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Can I receive documentation regarding the services or recommendations I have received as part of individual counseling?

    University of Miami Counseling Center occasionally receive requests from students/clients to provide documentation regarding their services and/or recommendations. If you require a letter for any reason from UMCC, please note the following:

    • Letters will be provided only in the event that a therapeutic relationship has been established with a UMCC clinician.
    • UMCC clinicians will complete requests within a reasonable timeframe.
    • All requests require a completed release of information form before a letter will be given, even if a client is requesting a letter to themselves.

    We do not provide any letters that "prescribe" or "require" specific accommodations as a treatment for a mental health diagnosis (i.e. Emotional Support Animal Letters) or accommodation for a psychological disability. Students interested in receiving these types of letters will be directed to the Camner Center for Academic Resources.

    Often, recommendations take the form of requesting flexibility for the student in meeting their academic demands and involves communication with Camner Center for Academic Resources.

    Occasionally, UMCC may provide supportive letters to clients with whom we have an ongoing therapeutic relationship. An ongoing therapeutic relationship is defined as having started services beyond the initial assessment appointment. These letters are meant to support certain accommodations the client may be seeking, but doesn’t constitute a recommendation or diagnosis. Please note that these letters are not written in a manner that states these accommodations are a necessary treatment for a disorder or psychological disability and the third party makes the final determination as to whether the request for accommodation is reasonable and/or appropriate. Often, recommendations take the form of requesting flexibility for the student in meeting their academic demands and involves communication with ArC or professors.

    Please speak with your UMCC counselor if you have any questions about letters from UMCC.

    If you need attendance verification of your appointment(s), UMCC staff members will provide this for you.

  • 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 (Brief Assessment)?

    When you contact the Counseling Center for an Initial Session (Brief Assessment) appointment, you will have a choice of whether to meet with the counselor via Telehealth or in person. You will be asked to complete personal information forms. You will then be greeted by your counselor, who will bring you back to his or her office.

    Please note, should a student be seen in-person, their healthcare provider may ask them to wear a mask (provider and patient).

    You will meet with your counselor for approximately 30 minutes and will discuss what brings you 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.

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