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Eligibility and Scope of Services

The Counseling and Psychological Services Center offers services to currently enrolled students at Appalachian State University. There is no charge for services.

Eligibility for services in the summer includes students who are enrolled in at least one of the summer sessions or a student who was enrolled in the most recent spring semester and is enrolled in the upcoming fall semester.

The scope of services includes the following for students currently enrolled in classes:

  • Short-term individual counseling
  • Group counseling
  • Short-term couples/family counseling
  • Workshops, educational programming, and prevention programs
  • Emergency services when classes are in session
  • Initial Consultation assessments that include recommendations and referrals
  • Referral coordination and Referral Resources
  • Consultation

The Counseling Center invites all students to get started by scheduling an Initial Cosultation. Please call the Counseling Center to schedule the Initial Consultation. During this initial meeting the counselor will talk with you about your concerns and collaborate with you to make recommendations for services and resources in the Counseling Center, on campus, and/or in the community that will best match your needs.

Due to the high demand for counseling services, the Counseling Center offers short-term individual and couples therapy. We find that most students experience improvement within 1-5 sessions. For other students, group therapy is the treatment of choice. Group therapy sessions are not limited if the student is appropriate for services in the Counseling Center.

Students who present concerns that may require longer or more intensive treatment, or expertise not available in the Counseling Center, are assisted with a referral to off-campus practitioners who are able to provide such care. The Counseling Center provides referral services either after the initial consultation or as these factors become more apparent during the course of services. The Counseling Center’s Referral Coordinator can assist students with identifying referral options, assist the student in connecting with the referral, and assist the student in finding additional resources as necessary.

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

  • Concerns related to stress, anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness, guilt, low self-esteem, and grief.
  • Relationship issues that may include romantic relationships, sexual concerns, roommate problems, and family concerns.
  • Concerns related to identity, career choices, clarification of values, adjustment to college, academic performance, and life transitions.
  • Issues related to the effects of trauma, sexual assault, or abuse.
  • Distress caused by discrimination, oppression, or harassment.
  • Issues related to body image, eating concerns, and making healthy lifestyle choices.