Frequently Asked Questions
- Why seek counseling?
- Isn't therapy just for crazy people?
- Who is eligible for services?
- What are your hours?
- Where are you located?
- Is there a fee?
- How do I make an appointment?
- Will my information be kept private?
- How long will I be in counseling?
- What type of time commitment do I need to make?
- Do you have a psychiatrist on staff?
- What are your staff's qualifications?
- Is there a difference between the psychologists in the Career Center and Student Health & Psychological Services?
- Do you provide court-ordered therapy?
- Does the Career Center provide academic advice?
- Does the Career Center provide career counseling?
Why seek counseling?
Counseling is helpful when you are having difficulty coping with a stressful situation or solving a personal problem. Counseling is appropriate for specific problems or general concerns. A counselor can offer emotional support, new perspectives, and help considering possible solutions. Students seek counseling for personal growth, increased self awareness, self-esteem, anxieties, depression, family and interpersonal issues, as well as for acute problems or crises. If your are experiencing a lot of distress, feel overwhelmed by a problem, or feel that you keep repeating the same mistakes, then you should consider counseling.
Isn't therapy just for crazy people?
Absolutely not! In fact, students who come to treatment are demonstrating courage and self-care by seeking another objective and professional perspective through the utilization of therapy. Everyone experiences problems and there are times when an individual can't work out their concerns on their own or with a friend or family member. Therapy is for anyone who wants to feel better about him or herself.
Who is eligible for services?
Any CSUDH undergraduate or graduate student who is currently enrolled and working toward a degree is eligible. Students who are not enrolled during the summer are eligible to receive services if they were enrolled the prior semester and have enrolled for fall semester. Alumni are not eligible for psychological services.
What are your hours?
Monday & Tuesday 8 am - 5 pm
Wednesday & Thursday 8 am - 7 pm
Friday 8am - 5 pm
Where are you located?
The Career Center
Welch Hall
3rd Floor, Room D360
(310) 243-3625
Is there a fee?
These services are free to currently enrolled CSUDH students.
How do I make an appointment?
Simply call the office at (310) 243-3625 to schedule an appointment and specify that you would like personal counseling. Typically, students can be seen within a few days of initial contact. During peak times of the year (e.g., midterms, finals), you may have to wait longer than a few days.
Will my information be kept private?
Services are confidential. This means your family, professors, administrators, and classmates do not have any access to what you discuss in counseling. Information about you will not be released to anyone without your written permission. The only exceptions to this rule are situations involving immediate danger to self or others, cases involving suspected child or elder abuse and legal subpoenas by the court. We also may consult with other counselors about your case. All counseling records are confidential and are not part of your academic record.
How long will I be in counseling?
We experience a very high demand for individual counseling. Consequently, we have found it necessary to institute a policy of short-term counseling. Students are entitled to 12 weekly 50 minute sessions during their academic career at CSUDH. Sometimes issues can be resolved in a few sessions, others require all 12. If you need longer-term treatment, your therapist will offer referrals for off-campus therapists.
What kind of time commitment do I need to make?
Therapy sessions are once a week for 50 minutes. We do our best to schedule you at the same time every week. We ask that you notify the office if you are unable to make your appointment. Students who do not show for two consecutive sessions may be dropped from the schedule. If at any time you decide to end counseling, we request that you return for one last session so that you and your counselor can discuss the ending process.
Do you have a psychiatrist on staff?
Yes, we have a psychiatrist who is available once a week to evaluate if medication would be helpful. Referrals to the psychiatrist are made through the client's counselor. Students being seen by our psychiatrist must also be in counseling with one of our therapist.
What are your staff's qualifications?
The Psychological Counselors in our office and in Student Health & Psychological Services are licensed psychologists or advanced doctoral psychology interns. All are highly qualified to provide caring and supportive therapy.
Is there a difference between psychologists in the Career Center and Student Health & Psychological Services?
No. Both offer psychological services with the same policies. You can contact either office to schedule an appointment. If there is not an appointment time that works with your schedule you will be referred to the other office.
Do you provide court ordered therapy?
We do not provide court-ordered therapy. We do not write letters for court-related or legal proceedings.
Does the Career Center provide academic advice?
Our therapists do not provide academic counseling. If you are seeking academic advice, contact University Advisement Center at (310) 243-3538 or your department if you have declared a major.
Does the Career Center provide career counseling?
We have career counselors available if you are interested in career counseling. Call (310) 243-3625 and ask to set up an appointment with one of our career counselors.