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 Some Commonly Asked Questions How do I make an appointment?
Appointments are made by calling X-2843 or by coming to the Counseling Service. The office phone is answered daily from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Usually students are offered appointments within two or three days from the time they call. Do I have to have a serious psychological problem to use the Counseling Service?
No. Students are encouraged to come in to discuss any personal concerns they might have. Some students do have more serious problems, and the staff is accustomed to dealing with a wide range of problems.
Will anyone be told that I have come to the Counseling Service?
No. The Counseling Service considers it essential that confidentiality be strictly maintained. Furthermore, the professionals are bound by state statute and professional ethics to maintain confidentiality, except in a serious psychiatric emergency. It is the student's decision whether or not to discuss her use of the Service with family, friends and college personnel.
What do students feel about coming to the Counseling Service?
Students sometimes feel apprehensive about using the Service because they do not know what to expect, and they wonder what it means about them that they need help. Most students, though, become comfortable quickly and experience their appointments as helpful and productive. Counseling Service staff are always available in cases of emergency. Call the Counseling Service at X-2843 during work hours. After hours, call X-2813, and the Health Service nurse will contact the therapist on call. From midnight to 8 a.m. call 585-1260.
How many students use the Counseling Service?
About 25% of the students at Smith College use the Counseling Service each year.
When is consultation with the college psychiatrist helpful?
The college psychiatrist is available to consult with students. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has advanced training in all aspects of mental health. Your therapist might suggest you schedule an appointment with the college psychiatrist for several reasons. The most common reason is that you want to know if medication might be helpful in relieving your symptoms. For example, many kinds of depression and anxiety symptoms can be safely and effectively treated with medication. Students also consult with the psychiatrist to better understand complicated symptoms or for the evaluation of self-destructive urges.
At your initial consultation with the psychiatrist, she will try to get a clear understanding of your current concerns as well as your strengths and goals. She will ask questions about whether you have overcome similar problems in the past and how you did so, and about any medical problems you may have. The psychiatrist will share her thoughts with you about the nature of your problem and what treatment options are available, which may include medication. It is always completely up to you whether or not you want to consider medication. The psychiatrist is happy to discuss pros and cons of different options and to answer any questions you have. If you do decide to try medication, you will check in with your psychiatrist regularly to assess how well it is working for you. Mosy students will meet with a therapist as well for brief psychotherapy. |
          
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Counseling Overview What To Expect From Counseling Individual Counseling |
| Group Counseling Psychiatric Consultation Referral Community Programs |
| Staff List Confidentiality Hours |
      
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