If you wish to consult with someone about Counseling services for a friend or loved one please call (309) 438-3655. If you believe (or know) your loved one is already working with us please know that confidentiality regulations do not permit us to disclose information about who are clients are without a signed release of information. However, our staff can listen to concerns and help you explore various strategies for offering support and assistance.
All Illinois State University students, full and part time, are eligible for counseling or psychiatric services at Student Counseling Services. Both counseling and psychiatric services within SCS are intended to provide short-term assistance to students dealing with personal or career concerns. Student Counseling Services offers a full range of services including individual counseling, group counseling, psychoeducational seminars and psychiatric services. In addition, Student Counseling Services offers crisis intervention services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Most find the experience of sending a loved one to college a mixed bag of emotions. From freshman to senior year (and beyond) change is in store. Independence grows as students continue to mature and learn how to manage life and their place in the world. But what does that mean for you as parents and loved ones?
As a parent, it can be difficult to know when to intervene and when to step back. Usually a parent's best guideline is to provide support while recognizing that there will be ups and downs in the college experience. Taking a step back can be uncomfortable, and at times frightening, because there is no guarantee students will assume responsibility or make the decision you would hope they make. Remind yourself that by stepping back you are helping your student develop critically needed decision-making skills.
Running into challenges is common in college. Finding support in dealing with these challenges is important. Illinois State has many resources such as Student Counseling Services, Academic Support, and the Career Center to address the ongoing needs of your student. Supporting your student by guiding him or her to the numerous campus resources is often your best option. The influential role you play in the lives of your student continues through college and beyond.
It is not unusual for a student to come to the University having already received counseling or psychiatric services. Before arriving to campus, please feel free to call SCS to obtain information about available options once on campus. Student Health Services at Illinois State also serves as an important link with pharmacy and medical services available.
Some of the common instances when counseling might be recommended to a student include:
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list and any concern affecting your loved one's life is worth seeking assistance for.
Confidentiality is an essential part of any counseling relationship. The Counseling Center staff adheres to the ethical standards of their respective professions and to state and federal laws relating to confidentiality. These standards and laws prevent us from speaking with concerned person about their student’s contact with the Center unless we have the student’s written permission. Thus, unless your student gives us written permission, we cannot acknowledge whether your student has been seen at the Center or is making progress in counseling. Exceptions do apply and can be found in the confidentiality laws for Illinois.
Many students prefer to keep their counseling completely private, and such privacy is typically vital for successful counseling. Assuming your student is willing to have one of the counselors discuss her or his participation in counseling with you, a release of information will be completed. Note that, in general, counseling is best served if everything parents, friends or loved ones have to share with their student’s counselor is also shared with their student.
Even if your student doesn’t give her or his counselor permission to provide information to you, you may choose to contact a counselor to share your concerns. Such contact may make sense, for example, if you are concerned that your student is in serious danger. Note, however, that the counselor will not be able to even acknowledge knowing your student, and that the counselor will want to discuss any information you provide with your student.
