We offer:

Individual Counseling

Family Counseling

Telehealth Services

Couples Counseling

Psychoeducational groups

Support groups 

Seminars

Consultation

Workshops

24/7 emergency on-call services.

To make an initial appointment, come to the University Counseling Center located at
303 A Union Avenue, in the Student Union Annex to complete the intake paperwork. At
that time, the receptionist will schedule an appointment for you.  For those scheduling
for the first time, the intake process takes up to 30 minutes.  Due to the length
of time it takes to complete the intake and the University closing at 5pm Monday thru
Thursday and 12:30pm on Fridays, we do not accept new intakes at 4:30pm from Monday
thru Thursday, as well as 12:00pm on Fridays.  We ask that you give yourself time
to complete the intake as you will not be able to save your place if you need to leave
early.

 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 985-549-3894.

If you have a mental health emergency on campus during operating hours of the University
(7:30am – 5:00pm), you may come immediately to the Counseling Center. Individuals
with mental health emergencies are seen as quickly as possible by hour on-call counselor.
If you have an on-campus emergency after hours or during the weekends/holidays, please
contact the University Police Department at 985-549-2222. You will need to give the
dispatcher your name, W number, and location.The police department will then contact
the on-call counselor.

In the event of a mental health crisis such as suicidal/homicidal thoughts, for those
who are off
campus, we recommend calling 911 for emergency services, seeking out emergency services
at
your nearest emergency room, or calling the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255

You will be asked to fill out a confidential Intake Form before your initial appointment
time. Counselors at the UCC attempt to provide an atmosphere of caring and understanding
so that you may  examine aspects of your life that are not working at this time without
any judgment. The number of sessions needed to meet your goals is determined by you
and your counselor. A fifty minute time period is set for each session.

Each counselor has his/her own style of counseling; therefore, you can expect an eclectic
approach to problem solving, geared toward meeting your needs. It is important to
note that you are a full partner in the counseling relationship.  This partnership
is built on trust and a rapport built between you and your counselor that may take
time to develop. Your honesty and effort are essential to success, as this will best
inform your counselor on how to proceed with sessions.  However, you will not be forced
to discuss issues that you are not ready for, but it helps to communicate to your
counselor on your readiness for certain goals. You may be asked to participate in
activities or complete “therapeutic homework assignments” between sessions.  Following
through with assignments and goals is paramount in building rapport, developing progress,
and establishing a healthy counseling environment.

If, as you work with your counselor, you have suggestions or concerns about counseling,
it is valuable to share those suggestions or concerns with your counselor or with
the director of the UCC so that we can make the necessary adjustments.

It is important to know that in the course of counseling, additional issues may surface
about which you were not initially aware. If this occurs, you should feel free to
share these new concerns with your counselor.

1. Keep appointments. Please cancel or reschedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance.
   After 2 “no-shows,” the client’s counseling privileges may be suspended for the semester.

2. Be prompt. Promptness allows the client to receive a full fifty minute session.

3. Be an active participant in your growth process. Clients are full partners in the counseling process. Honesty and effort are essential
   to success. Being active in counseling means communicating with your counselor, being
   honest in discussing concerns, completing outside assignments, and informing the counselor
   if you decide to terminate.

4. Notify your counselor of any pre-existing professional mental health relationship
   with other counselors or psychiatrists.

5. Inform your counselor of any physical concerns you may have and/or any medications
   you may be taking. 
   Physical health can be an important factor in the emotional well-being of an individual.
   If you have not had a physical examination within the past year, your counselor may
   suggest that you do so.

1. You have the right to confidentiality within the limits of the counselor’s Code of Conduct
   (listed above and available at www.counseling.org).

2. You have the right to download a copy of the ACA Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice
   (url address listed in #1 above).

3. You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.

4. You have the right to be informed of the purposes, goals, techniques, procedures, limitations,
   potential risks, and benefits of the counseling services you will receive. (Please
   note, this is the statement that you read, signed and received during your first visit.)

5. You have the right to share any concerns or issues with your counselor, the UCC Director,
   or the Vice President for Student Affairs.

• Low self confidence
• Self defeating behaviors
• Relationship problems and break-ups
• Sexual concerns
• Difficulties with alcohol and other drugs
• Boundary issues
• Concerns with academic performance, lack of motivation, test anxiety
• Gender and/or sexuality concerns
• Dealing with feelings such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and anger
• Relationship violence
• Managing Stress
• Eating disorders
• Sexual harassment, sexual assault or rape
• Concerns about helping a friend
• History of childhood abuse or neglect
• Suicidal thoughts

 

Your information will not be disclosed outside of the professional counseling staff
without your written permission. The exceptions to confidentiality are:

1. When there is indication of suicidal or homicidal ideation, plans, means, or intent.

2. When there is reason to suspect the abuse of a child, elderly person, or gravely disabled
   person.

3. When there is a court order. 

Counselors in-training may present cases (unidentified) to their faculty supervisor.
These professionals are bound by the same strict standards of confidentiality as listed
above. Confidentiality of clients is defined by the American Counseling Association’s
Code of Ethics (www.counseling.org).

The UCC is currently providing teletherapy services.  Your counselor will work with
you to determine if these services are appropriate for your care.  Please call our
office at (985) 549-3894 for more information.  You will need to complete intake paperwork
to initiate this process.  Please remember that email communication should not be
used as a means for communicating regarding your care.

Mental Health America Hotline: Text MHA to 741741. Mental Health America is a nationwide organization that provides assistance through
this text line. You will be linked to someone who can guide you through a crisis or
just provide information.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call or Text 988. Crisis intervention and free emotional support are available, which is helpful when
you need confidential assistance during an emotional distress for you or a loved one.
The help line is open 24/7 and a live online chat is available as well. 

Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741. Specialized crisis counselors are just a text message away on this free, confidential
24 hour support line. To further protect your privacy, these messages do not appear
on a phone bill. The text line also provides services and support if you are upset,
scared, hurt, frustrated or distressed.

Veterans Crisis LIne: 1-800-273-8255. Text a message to 838255. Operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, these services aid veterans and
their families who may be in crisis by connecting them with VA responders.

“THE PHONE” ST. TAMMANY

RESIDENTS OF ST. TAMMANY PARISH

PHONE: 985-231-1142

 

FLORIDA PARISHES CRISIS LINE

FOR LIVINGSTON, ST. HELENA, ST. TAMMANY, TANGIPAHOA, &

WASHINGTON PARISH RESIDENTS

PHONE: 1-855-268-1091

 

JEFFERSON PARISH MOBILE CRISIS LINE

PHONE: 504-832-5123

 

BATON ROUGE CRISIS LINE “THE PHONE”

PHONE: 225-924-3900

 

LA STATEWIDE CRISIS/RESOURCE LINE

PHONE: 211

 

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

PHONE: 1-800-273-TALK
SPANISH: 1-888-628-9454

 

DEAFLEAD: 24 HOUR CRISIS LINE FOR HARD OF HEARING

(573) 303-5604 (VIDEOPHONE)
TEXT: TEXT HAND TO 839863

 

TREVOR PROJECT: 24/7 CRISIS LINE FOR LGBTQ+
PHONE: 1-866-488-7386 OR TEXT START TO 678678

 

CRISIS TEXT LINE: TEXT 741741

 

Mental Health Crisis During Closure

On Campus

• Call UPD at 985-549-2222 or go to the UPD Office on the first floor of Pride Hall

Off Campus

• Dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or dial 988
• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990

 

What to expect from the UCC during the closure:

Depending on the severity of the Disaster, the UCC physical office may remain closed
for structural safety and functioning reasons; however, the UCC will continue to function
in the following ways below: 

• The UCC will provide an On-Call Counselor for on-campus mental health related emergencies,
  call UPD if you have a Mental Health Emergency on campus.

 

If the University has to remain closed longer than 4 business days:

• The UCC will begin contacting current clients through phone calls and/or emails.

 

If the closure extends past 6 days: 

• The UCC is prepared to provide clients with contact and remote counseling services. 
• Please know that we cannot guarantee you will be called or receive counseling services from your assigned counselor
  due to limited resources after a Disaster.
• Please note that the UCC could also recruit help from another University to provide
  counseling services depending on the severity of the storm.

 

Shelter in Place or Evacuation Plans

• Identify safe shelter as soon as possible or decide if you will evacuate.

 

Supplies

• Be sure to have water and non-perishable food for yourself and any pets staying with
  you for several days. 
• Be sure your supplies include medications, flashlight, first aid kit, candles, etc.  More information at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan
• Be sure to have activities that can occupy your time and do not require electricity:
  art supplies, journaling, coloring books, books, etc.

In the event a storm approaches, please continue to monitor your email and UCC web
page for more information regarding UCC updates.