In order to meet student demand and use its resources most effectively, the Counseling Center utilizes a short-term individual therapy model. Working together, the counselor and student determine the number and type of sessions that are needed for the student based on the nature of the student’s concerns and available resources. Individual counseling is a process through which students work one-on-one with a counselor—in a safe, caring, and confidential environment—to explore their feelings, beliefs, or behaviors, work through challenges, identify aspects of their lives that they would like to change, better understand themselves and others, set personal goals, and work toward desired change.

Some of the concerns that are commonly addressed in short-term counseling at the Counseling Center are:

• Personal Concerns: Stress, anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, grief
• Relationship Concerns: Romantic relationship, roommate problems, family problems, social life
• Developmental Concerns: Adjustment to college, healthy lifestyle choices, decisions, life transitions
• Substance Use: Concerns related to alcohol or other drug use/abuse
• Academic Concerns: Performance anxiety, perfectionism, academic difficulties

Students whose needs require long-term support will generally be referred to community resources for ongoing treatment. Similarly, students whose needs require a particular type of expertise that is not available in the Center are also referred to community resources. Even in cases where a student’s ongoing needs necessitate a referral to community resources, the Counseling Center can often assist the student in managing the presenting concerns and provide support until the student is able to connect to the appropriate community resources. Some of the concerns that are commonly addressed through referral to services outside of the Counseling Center

Include:

• Student’s preference or external provider’s recommendations
• History of multiple hospitalizations
• Chronic thoughts of suicide, frequent self-injurious behaviors, or history of repeated suicide attempts
• Clear indications of a need for more intensive services
• Evidence or risk of progressive deterioration in mental or emotional functioning that requires intensive intervention
• Inability or unwillingness to provide the necessary information to thoroughly assess symptoms
• A need for specialized services not available through the Counseling Center, as indicated by:
  • Presence of significant drug or alcohol problems such as substance dependence and/or past failed treatments; a need for drug testing
• Presence of significant or long-standing eating disorder symptoms with no period of remission or that may pose a medical danger
• Request for formal psychological assessment (e.g., ADHD or psychoeducational evaluations)
• Request for medications

The general guidelines listed above are only intended to serve as a guide to assist treatment decisions. The nature and complexity of presenting concerns and the broader context are considered in making the appropriate treatment recommendation(s). Cases are evaluated individually and the professional judgment of the mental health provider(s) will determine the treatment decision in a particular situation.

JED Foundation Website

Together, we’re changing and saving lives.

The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow.

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JED’s Mental Health Resource Center helps you manage your emotional health, cope with challenges, and support the people in your life.

Find ways to manage feelings like anxiety and sadness; learn how to navigate emotional challenges like break-ups and other difficult transitions; get information on mental health conditions like depression; discover tools for self-care; and get help for yourself or a loved one.

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JED’s Signature Programs

SET TO GO
JED’s Set To Go program provides teens with skills, knowledge, and perspective they need to navigate the pivotal transition from hight school to college or a career.

MENTAL HEALTH IS HEALTH
JED is a founding partner in MTV Entertainment Group’s new Mental Health is Health imitative, featuring an online hub that can be navigated by how we’re feeling, what we’re experiencing, or conditions we need to manage.

SEIZE THE AWKWARD
Seize the Awkward was created in partnership with JED, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Ad Council. It educates about warning signs that a friend is struggling, conversation starters, tips for support, and resources to get help.

LOVE IS LOUDER
Love is Louder emphasizes resiliency and kindness by mobilizing social media, artists/influencers, the media, and local communities to encourage actions that make us all feel more connected and supported.

EQUITY IN MENTAL HEATH FRAMEWORK
Created by JED and The Steve Fund, the Equity in Mental Health Framework offers expert recommendations and implementation strategies for America’s colleges and universities to better support mental health and emotional well-being of students of color.

PROUD & THRIVING
With support from the Upswing Fund, and created by JED and the Consortium for Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals, the Proud & Thriving framework provides schools with recommendations to protect and support the mental health of LGBTQ+ students.