Services of the Counseling Center 

Counseling
The Counseling Center provides consultation, assessment, and short-term therapy on an individual and group basis without charge. Provisions for substance-abuse assessment, treatment, education, and referral can be arranged through this office. Students requiring long-term counseling may be referred to private community resources when appropriate and feasible. The office is staffed by mental health professionals from several disciplines (clinical social work, psychology, and psychiatry). All consultations are fully confidential.
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Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is available without a fee to all full-time Skidmore College students. Over one-third of the student body will access the services of the Counseling Center for an individual appointment at some time in their college career. When a request is made for a consultation, the student will be asked to complete a confidential intake sheet and then will be scheduled to speak to a counselor. After an initial assessment, an agreement between the student and counselor will be reached about proceeding with treatment. Counseling Center staff are experienced in working with adjustment problems and developmental issues as well as more serious psychiatric disorders. There is a consulting psychiatrist who is at the College 7 hours per week to aid in diagnosis and prescribe and monitor medications when needed.

Counseling Center staff are committed to helping students negotiate difficulties and develop the tools to handle their problems in a way that promotes their own growth and development. Through counseling, students can often find a way to formulate a sense of self and identity; forge meaningful relationships with others; accept responsibility for their own well-being; clarify their values; and achieve a sense of balance in their life.
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Group Counseling
The Counseling Center offers psychotherapy groups each semester for students wishing to explore aspects of their personal growth or life experiences. Groups are a powerful way to deal with issues of trust and problems in relationships. The groups are formed early each semester and continue with the same membership throughout the semester. Groups usually have between 5 and 8 participants and two co-therapists leading the group. Students who are interested in group counseling can start exploring that interest by making an individual appointment with a counselor.
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After-Hours Emergencies
Counseling Center staff are available to assess and intervene in a psychological crisis on a 24-hour basis. Outside of regular office hours, a counselor can be contacted through the Campus Safety Office, Residence Staff or a Student Affairs staff member on call. During nights and weekends, a student needing immediate attention can call Campus Safety at x5566 for immediate follow-up.
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Consultation
Within the bounds of confidentiality, the Counseling Center staff acts as a resource to the Skidmore community around concerns for the emotional well-being of others. Skidmore students, faculty, staff and families are encouraged to contact a member of the Counseling Center staff to discuss any concerns and plan a strategy for intervention.
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Education and Training
The Counseling Center is regularly involved in Residence Staff training, peer advisor education and parent orientation. Additionally, staff are available to participate in workshops, make presentations, facilitate discussions on a variety of topics pertaining to mental health, and identify resource people to invite to campus. Programming requests can be initiated by contacting a staff member in the Counseling Center.
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Referrals
The Counseling Center staff strive to keep current on information about community resources that serve a variety of mental health needs. The Center can assist students and other members of the Skidmore community to make a connection with appropriate self-help groups, community agencies and/or private practitioners in the area.
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