What to Expect from Counseling

Screening and Evaluation

To initiate ongoing individual counseling services at the Counseling Center, you must first complete an initial screening. Initial screening appointments are completed in person but can be completed over the phone if needed. Screening appointments require you to complete initial paperwork. Please arrive 30 minutes early. If you are running late, please contact our front office. This paperwork is very helpful in evaluating your needs and helping connect you to the best resources to help get your needs met. After completing your paperwork, you will typically spend 20 to 30 minutes with a therapist. First visits are free. The purpose of a first visit is to evaluate concerns and connect you to the most appropriate resources. If your needs are beyond the Counseling Center’s scope of services we will assist you with a referral. If your needs are within our scope of care you will be assigned to a counselor. It can depend on the time of year, but generally students are able to get a screening appointment within 1 week. Please call 205-348-3863 to schedule an appointment or consult with a counselor. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling services are available. If you are a current student at UA and reside in the state of Alabama, you are eligible for services. For students out of state for the summer, we can assist with referral options. Counseling services are offered in person or through telecounseling. Once assigned to a counselor you will work together to develop goals and strategies to address your concerns. Counseling is confidential. Individual sessions typically last about 45-50 minutes. Individual sessions are $15 per session, but if this is a potential barrier to you seeking services, please bring it up at your screening. Up to 15 sessions are available per academic year (fall and spring semesters).

Couples Counseling

Couples counseling services are available for enrolled students. All partners must be enrolled students. Couples counseling is free of charge.

Group Counseling

The Counseling Center offers support groups, process groups, and workshops for students. Each group below has a description of the type of issues or concerns are best addressed by that group. This is to help you determine the group that would be a good fit for you. All our groups are open to all students. If you do not see a group that meets your need, please reach out to the Counseling Center to speak with the Executive Director about your needs. There are no fees for any support group. All groups below are virtual until further notice. If you have an interest in another type of group we may provide or assist with, please contact us to discuss this with a counselor. Please note our group offerings are updated at the beginning of the fall and spring terms. Groups are only available to currently enrolled students. The Counseling Group Services generally begin in the 3rd week of each semester.

Crisis Intervention

If you are in crisis or are experiencing a mental health emergency, please walk-in or call 205-348-3863 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m., to speak with a counselor immediately. Outside these hours, please contact UAPD at 205-348-5454. You will speak with the dispatcher. Identify yourself as a UA student and ask to speak with the on-call counselor. They will ask you for your name and CWID.

Same-Day Consults

Let’s Talk Phone Consultations are single-session consultation appointments with a counselor that are completed over the phone. They are 20-25 minutes in length and can be scheduled same-day or next-day only.

Drop-in appointments with embedded therapists are available on a weekly basis for students who are part of certain colleges or communities that have embedded therapists. Appointments can only be scheduled up to 1 week in advance. All Drop-in appointments are in person at the location attached to the appointment you choose.

Schedule a same-day consult for a Let’s Talk or Drop-in appointment.

Limited Psychological Assessments

Limited diagnostic and personality testing is available for clients of the Counseling Center as it aligns to treatment needs and goals. This is not available for non-counseling clients.

Referral for Medical and Other Services

The Counseling Center can help you with referrals to other mental health resources, including psychotropic medication consultations, psychological testing, long-term therapy services, and other adjunct services on campus or in the community. If you have questions, please contact our office and ask to speak with the case manager.

Consultation Services

For faculty, staff, students and parents, we are available for telephone consultations regarding student concerns. Please call 205-348-3863 and ask to speak with a counselor if you have questions, concerns, or are in need of advice.

Telecounseling

Individual counseling services are available via telecounseling for students who reside in the state of Alabama and for whom it is clinically appropriate. Inquire about this option with your therapist as needed.