Frequently
Asked Questions
Frequently Helpful Answers
1.
What is the cost
of services?
Most services at CSDC are free to students, provided they are enrolled in the current semester (or the fall semester during summers). Some services are at additional cost, such as most paper-and-pencil tests as well as learning disability assessments. There is also a charge for missed appointments.
3.
What kind of
services do you offer?
We
provide services in two main areas: personal counseling
and study skills assistance. Personal
counseling is provided on an individual, group or crisis/emergency basis. Study
skills assistance is provided by our Coaching for
Academic Success Program and is offered in both individual
and group formats.
Counseling means sitting down with an individual or group and talking about issues you are facing in order to receive some resolution or satisfaction of these issues.
The act of going to counseling does not make you “crazy.”In fact, it takes a brave person to make the decision to make changes in life. Additionally, it takes a lot of courage to sit down and talk to a stranger for the first time about making these changes. Many students we see are nervous at their first visit, but by the end of counseling, these students often feel much better about their daily lives.
6. Can I come as many times as I want?
CSDC operates under a time-limited model of individual counseling, since we know that many problems can be resolved within this format. You may attend a group, if appropriate, for as many semesters as you and the group leader think will be helpful.
7.
Does anyone else
have to know about my coming to counseling?
Counseling is confidential in nature, meaning we don’t talk to anyone about your status as our client without your written permission. However, therapists have a legal obligation for the safety of their clients. If a client is a danger to himself/herself or others, then it is the therapist’s legal responsibility to prevent harm; in these cases, others may be informed to prevent harm. Therapists are also obligated to report cases of child abuse as well as elder abuse. In these cases, reports are made to the proper state agency.
8.
How do I go about setting up an appointment to see a counselor?
We have walk in hours from 10:00-4:00, M-F. You do not need to call before you come; just stop by CLB 200. Your first personal counseling appointment (called a consultation appointment) will be a brief appointment to assess your needs. Subsequent appointments are approximately 50 minutes in length and may or may not be with the counselor you meet with for your first appointment.
9.
Do I need to take psychiatric medication (e.g., antidepressants, etc.)? If so,
does CSDC prescribe medication?
Students sometimes supplement counseling with medication. Psychiatric services are provided at University Health Services and are not provided at CSDC. If you are uncertain about whether an appointment with a psychiatrist would be useful to you, your CSDC counselor would be very willing to talk with you about your concerns.
10. I am not a student at NIU. Am I allowed to use your services?
Unfortunately, we do not have the resources available to provide most of our services to non-students. However, for a small fee we do offer study skills assistance to people who:
A. Are enrolled in classes at NIU but who
B. Will not start classes until the following semester.
If these two conditions apply to you, please call 815-753-1206 to set up an appointment.
Additionally, this website includes links to other resources on the web and to local self-help groups.
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Page last updated on December 23, 2004
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