Welcome

Thank you for visiting the University of Washington Tacoma's Student Counseling Center Web page. Here you will find information on the services we offer, our counselors and staff, procedures for seeking our services, what issues/problems we might be able to help you with, and information and links that can guide you in determining if you should seek our services.

FAQs

• What is the Student Counseling Center and how can it help me?
• Are the services at the Student Counseling Center confidential?
• Who can use the Counseling Center and is there a cost?
• What issues or problems can the Student Counseling Center help me with?
• How do I seek counseling services?
• Respect for human differences

What is the Student Counseling Center and how can it help me?

The Student Counseling Center is an on-campus resource that provides counseling to the students at UW Tacoma.

It is common for students to experience times when they feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college, work, family, and relationships. The Student Counseling Center is here to help students cope with stresses and personal issues that can interfere with their ability to perform in school.

In general, we provide short-term, problem-focused counseling, aimed at building better skills and exploring alternative ways of coping.

Specifically, the Student Counseling Center provides individual, couple, and group counseling, educational workshops and classroom presentations, support groups, consultation with students, faculty, and staff, and referrals, when appropriate, to community mental health and social service providers.

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Are the services at the Student Counseling Center confidential?

All services are confidential, and we will not share any information about a student's participation in counseling with anyone (including faculty, staff, parents, spouses, etc.) unless that student gives us specific permission to do so. The only exception to this standard of confidentiality is when there is a threat of imminent harm to the student or others.

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Who can use the Counseling Center and is there a cost?

We serve currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students from every academic program. Our counseling services are always free to any currently enrolled student.

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What issues or problems can the Student Counseling Center help me with?

The most common counseling issues include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Stress management
• Relationship issues
• Decision making
• Physical and sexual abuse
• Alcohol and drug issues
• Trauma

Some students find that meeting with a counselor once is sufficient to resolve the immediate concern, while others meet for a period of time to work toward specific goals. The Student Counseling Center offers up to 12 sessions, based on need and other determining factors. In the case of problems that exceed the Student Counseling Center's scope of practice, a referral will be made to an appropriate off-campus resource. Examples of this might include a severe eating disorder, substance addiction, or a severe history of abuse.

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How do I seek counseling services?

Intake appointments for individual counseling can be by calling or dropping by the Student Affairs office. Both day and early evening appointments are available.

Prior to meeting with a counselor, you will be given intake paperwork to complete. This paperwork provides us background information, a brief "snapshot" of what is going on for you, and a signed consent for services. After completing the paperwork, you will meet with a counselor to discuss your reasons for seeking counseling.

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Respect for human differences

The Student Counseling Center staff strives to provide UW Tacoma students, faculty, and staff with professional services which demonstrate sensitivity and respect for human differences (e.g. race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, disability, language, and socio-economic status). We hold a commitment to receiving the additional training and consultation necessary to provide responsive and culturally-competent services.

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