Personal Counseling Services

What is counseling?
Counseling is a process of exploring issues, learning new ways of coping, and increasing overall satisfaction with life. The counselor can assist you in clarifying goals and finding solutions to problems through careful listening, guided self-exploration, suggesting new perspectives for consideration, and providing new information.

Services Available
The counseling center offers individual counseling to students, faculty, and staff. All services are free and confidential. Examples of issues for college students include college adjustment, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, family problems, and drug abuse. Counselors are also available for consultations to help individuals, organizations, and departments define issues and develop strategies to deal with concerns. Academic counseling is available to students experiencing academic problems in the classroom. Issues that can be addressed include prioritizing, study skills, exam preparations, time management, and test anxiety.

If you have an emergency and cannot reach the Counseling Office,
please call Campus Police at 870-574-4517 or 911. You can access more information regarding the Campus Police here.

Contact Us
Phone: 870-574-4514
Email: vwilson@sautech.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the counseling services confidential?

Counseling is completely confidential, except in cases of life-threatening emergency (the threat or attempt of suicide, and the threat of seriously injuring another person, for example) or when we are legally required to report abuse of a minor. Except in these extraordinary circumstances, neither what you and your counselor discuss nor any of the required written records are shared with anyone- including roommates, parents, friends, faculty, and staff- without your written permission. All records of visits are separated from other university files and securely maintained within the Center.

Do I have to pay for counseling services?

How do I know if I need counseling?

How do I make an appointment with a counselor?

How often do I attend counseling sessions?

If I decide to see a counselor, what commitments would I be asked to make?

When you come for an initial intake session, you are not making a commitment beyond the evaluation sessions, which may vary from 1-3 meetings. You and your counselor would generally meet on a weekly basis for a period of time that is mutually agreed upon. Counseling sessions are typically 50 minutes. We expect you to keep your appointments and to call in advance when you are unable to attend a session since other people may be waiting for an appointment.

May I email my counselor?

What can I do if I am concerned about a friend that may benefit from counseling?

What should I expect from my counselor?

Your counselor is a licensed mental health professional who is trained to help you identify and begin to resolve the issues and problems that are of concern to you. It is perfectly common and understandable to have some anxiety about seeing a counselor – your counselor will establish a safe and structured environment in which you can feel comfortable discussing your thoughts and feelings. The approach is non-judgmental and collaborative. Counselors help clarify options, provide support and understanding, assist with setting goals, explore feelings and correct misconceptions.

What should I talk about in counseling?

Students seek counseling for all sorts of reasons. Some of the most common issues that bring students to Counseling Services include: low self-confidence, academic performance, depression or anxiety, confusing, distressing thoughts or feelings, difficulties adjusting to college, anger or irritability, stress, traumatic experiences, relationship problems, health-related concerns, alcohol or drug misuse, problems with eating or body image, difficulty making friends and difficulties with concentration or motivation.

When is counseling available?

Who is eligible for counseling services?

Will my instructors or family members find out that I am seeing a counselor?

Absolutely not. Counseling records are not part of your academic record. The counseling process is confidential and your counselor will strictly maintain that confidentially. Some exceptions to confidentiality do apply. Your counselor may need to share information in the event of a psychological emergency requiring hospitalization or in circumstances involving your safety or the safety of others. When these exceptions occur, you will be informed.

More Information

Confidentiality
Referral Guidelines

Get in Touch

Dr. Valerie Wilson, Vice Chancellor for Academics
Campus Police