Psychological Counseling Center, CSU, Chico
What to Expect
During your first meeting, a counselor will explore your concerns, background information, and your goals for counseling. After discussing your problem with you, the counselor will help you decide which of our services will best meet your needs, or refer you to services in the community.
Often, the counselor will be able to assist you immediately, and further sessions will not be necessary. If the counselor decides to see you individually, you may be put on a waiting list until the counselor has an opening in his/her schedule. If you do receive individual counseling, your counselor will provide you a limited number of sessions. Your counselor will make every effort to assist you as much as possible in the time he/she has available. However, because there are extreme demands on counseling resources, you may not receive the kind or amount of help that you would prefer or feel you need.
In counseling you can expect to be
- listened to
- helped to communicate clearly
- helped to put your current concerns in perspective
- helped to develop goals and plans.
Your counselor will expect you to
- be as honest and open as possible
- be committed to working on your concerns
- accept responsibility for your feelings and actions
- keep your appointments.
You have the right to ask questions regarding your treatment and to discontinue treatment at any time, with appropriate notice to the office. Any appointment you miss, without 24 hour notice, is considered a "no show," which may result in counseling services being discontinued for the semester.
There may be risks involved in counseling, as well as risks involved in not receiving counseling for a problem. Resolution of a problem may result in uncomfortable feelings and/or significant life changes. Some students benefit from counseling, some benefit from alternative forms of treatment, and some benefit from a variety of methods. Alternatives may include self–help books and materials, 12–step programs, medication, hospitalization, or non–Western healing methods, (e.g., acupuncture, spiritual ceremonies). While the counselor can give you recommendations for treatment based on experience and training, the choice for treatment rests with you.