MiTalk.org: Mental Health Issues On Campus

What Is Counseling?

Introduction

Although counseling is not a common practice in many countries and cultures, in the United States it is increasingly utilized as a process that is helpful for dealing with personal stress and difficulties. Meeting with a professional counselor at the Counseling and Psychological Services office at U-M, allows a person the opportunity to discuss their concerns with someone in a safe, friendly environment. All racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual orientations, and age differences are fully respected.

Why would I meet with a counselor?

Most students experience difficulties at one time or another while at the University of Michigan. As a university student, you you might like to talk to a counselor about:

• Understanding and adjusting to university culture and the college way of life
• Separation from family and friends
• Language difficulties (especially for international students)
• Academic pressures
• Financial concerns
• Finding time to meet family commitments and obligations
• Relationship concerns
• Career indecision
• Dating people from different cultures
• Adjusting to new roommates
• Making new friends
• Coping with worries other than academics or career-related such as visa and immigration issues

These are just a few of the possible concerns that a counselor could help you with.

What is confidentiality?

Participation in any of U-M counseling services is private and confidential. This means that we do not report to any office, individual or group (including family and friends) unless you give your approval and consent to do so.

Only in some cases is confidentiality broken without your consent. The main — though not the only — exceptions to confidentiality arise in situations involving child or adult abuse or neglect, court orders or subpoena of records, continuity of care, or danger to self or others.

Students are encouraged to discuss any concerns they have about confidentiality with a counselor from their respective campus.

How do I make an appointment?

If you would like to make a first appointment with a counselor on your campus, get in touch with your campus counseling center.

•  How to find a therapist *
•  Disappointed with a therapist? *

* NOTE: Links on this web site to external web sites are for informational purposes only, and do not constitute an endorsement by MiTalk, Counseling and Psychological Services or the University of Michigan.