Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
What is counseling?
Counseling is a safe and confidential space for individuals to share their concerns with a trained, caring professional. Through the counseling process a student can clarify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sessions also provide an opportunity to learn and practice skills for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Common presenting student concerns in counseling:
- Homesickness
- Adjustment issues
- Academic stress
- Feeling overwhelmed, suicidal or hopeless
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression
- Disordered eating and body image
- Relationship stress and conflict
- Family issues
- Drug and alcohol issues
- Insomnia and sleep problems
- Trauma
- LGBTQIA+ identity exploration
- Stress and trauma around racial injustice
- Exploring intersectional identities
- Stress management
- Exploring and improving on overall wellness
Who can receive counseling at the Diana B. Torrey ’82 Health and Counseling Center?
All currently enrolled students are eligible for counseling services during academic sessions.
When should my student use your services?
The college years are known to be extremely stressful for many students due to both academic and social pressures. At times students may find that the stress becomes unmanageable and interferes with learning or overall well-being at SLU. If your student has a problem they need help with, encourage them to contact us. Remind them that it is a sign of health to recognize when you need assistance, and to ask for help.
Can I receive information about my student’s counseling sessions or attendance?
The counseling center is unable to share any information with you unless your student would like us to. If your student wants information communicated to you, they need to sign a release of information with their counselor. However, we are always able to listen to information you feel you need to share with us.
Can I schedule an appointment for my student?
We highly recommend that students take the initiative to schedule their own appointments as they know their schedule and it helps them develop lifelong self advocacy skills.
Is there a fee for counseling?
No. Counseling is free to all SLU students and we do not bill insurance.
What if I am concerned about another student other than my child?
There may be instances when you are concerned about someone else’s well-being. For example, you may hear that one of your child’s friends is expressing difficulty with alcohol, drugs, or stress, or they may exhibit unusual or disruptive behavior. We encourage you to contact the Counseling Center whenever you are concerned about another person and are unsure as to how to help. If you are concerned about a student’s safety please contact security at 315-229-5555.
Will counseling show up on my student’s transcript of any official record?
No, visits to the Counseling Center are confidential and will not be revealed to the Registrar or other SLU offices. Counseling Center staff may confer with one another as needed to provide the best possible services.
How long will my student have to wait to get an appointment?
The Counseling Center is committed to seeing students as quickly as possible. We do our best to schedule appointments within one to two weeks of the initial request. (We thank you in advance for understanding that during our peak stress times it may take a little longer). We do reserve 2 appointment slots daily for urgent or crisis same-day appointments during office hours. SLU’s Crisis and Counseling Helpline is available to students 24/7 as an additional resource by calling 315-229-1914.
What are the hours and location for Counseling Services?
The Diana B. Torrey ’82 Health and Counseling Center is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30AM-4:30PM and Friday 10AM - 4:30PM. Our location is 76 Park Street.
What if my child needs mental health assistance after hours?
You or your student can access our 24/7 Crisis and Counseling Helpline at 315-229-1914 for mental health support. If you are concerned about your student’s safety please call Security at 315-229-5555.