FAQ
What to Expect at Student Counseling Services
Will I still be able to receive counseling services through Student Counseling Services this semester?
Absolutely! Our staff continue to offer both individual and group therapy to in-state students. Some out of state students are also able to access services through our partnership with WellConnect. See https://counseling.illinoisstate.edu/services/ for more information. If we are NOT able to provide services to you, we will help you find a referral in your area.
Are you offering any “in person” therapy?
All services have temporarily shifted to telehealth as the university begins the spring semester remote.
Do you still have help available in an emergency?
If you have an urgent need for assistance, please call our office at 309-438-3655. One of our counselors will get back to you as soon as they can over phone and/or Zoom. Students who walk into the center will be asked to complete electronic forms and then escorted to a Zoom Room for a telehealth appointment with a crisis counselor. After hours, your call will be directed to our after-hours telephone services, staffed by counselors who can assist you by phone.
Are you offering telehealth therapy?
Yes, both individual and group telehealth therapy will be available to in-state and on-campus students. If you are out-of-state, our front desk staff will collect information about your location and get back to you about our ability to provide services from us at this time. If we are unable to provide services, we will help you find a referral in your area.
How do I schedule an initial triage appointment?
Scheduling an initial appointment is easy. Contact our office at 309.438.3655 and our front desk staff will schedule you for the first available initial consultation appointment. At that 30 minute appointment, your counselor will gather information about your concerns, share information about our range of services and develop a plan for ongoing services.
What if I don’t have a private place to hold my session?
We may be able to offer you a private office (a “Zoom room”) in Student Counseling Services. There are also other spaces on campus that you might be able to reserve. Please ask about this when you schedule your appointment, and we’ll talk through the options with you. Please cancel any appointments in a Zoom room if you are sick. We will be happy to reschedule you. At this time we are not able to offer Zoom rooms for sessions with your private therapists or doctors who are not a part of Student Counseling Services.
I am using a “Zoom room” for my appointment. What do I need to bring?
Please bring your laptop, tablet, or smart phone. Laptops are preferred for video and sound quality, so if you have a laptop, please bring it.
Do I need to wear a face covering in the office?
Yes, face coverings are required. Thank you for wearing one if you come in person to schedule an appointment, to meet with a counselor in person, or to use a “Zoom room”. If you forget to wear one, a face covering will be provided to you. Once you are in the “Zoom room” you can remove your face covering, but before you leave the office you will be expected to clean the space you use with the provided sanitizing wipes. You should put your face covering back on to leave the Zoom room. Please cancel any appointments in a Zoom room if you are sick. We will be happy to reschedule you.
Is staff wearing face coverings in the office?
Yes, face coverings are required for all faculty, staff and students in health care facilities on campus.
Do you have hand sanitizer and wipes for me to sanitize my seat in the waiting room?
Yes, we have those available for you.
What type of precautions/adjustments have you made to the waiting room?
We have placed furniture to allow social distancing. Additionally, please observe the floor markings to keep social distancing in place while you wait to check in at the front desk.
How do I reach Student Counseling Services?
You can call us at (309) 438-3655.