Individual Counseling

Individual short-term therapy is provided at the center to help students address a variety of concerns and issues. Click here to learn more about some common presenting problems.

Group Counseling

Group counseling offers a safe environment in which to give and receive support regarding specific issues, explore healthy behaviors, and develop new ways of coping. It allows an opportunity to learn more about oneself and others in a climate of trust and mutual support.

The UCC offers a variety of groups each semester. Those groups recently offered have focused on issues such as relationships, grief, shyness/social anxiety, and women’s issues, among others. Like individual counseling, group counseling at the UCC is confidential; information disclosed to other members is not discussed outside the group.

For more information, call 850-644-2003 or stop by the University Counseling Center, located on the 2nd floor of the Askew Student Life Center.

Click here for a list of current groups.

Couples Counseling

Couples counseling is offered to students on a short-term basis to help address a variety of issues, including communications skills, conflict resolution/problem solving, and other issues that may arise within a relationship. One of the individuals must be currently enrolled at Florida State University to be considered eligible for couples counseling.

Crisis Intervention

Different types of crisis intervention services are provided by the counseling center staff. These include working with students on an individual basis, consulting with faculty/staff and at times parents, to help them determine when a referral may be needed for a student. Support services are also provided for parties affected by campus crises.

Students having a crisis, who cannot wait for an appointment may come to the center for a brief assessment without an appointment. A plan will be formulated to address the needs of the student. This plan may include scheduling a follow-up intake, and/or a referral for other services.
Clinicians are available to assist faculty/staff as well as parents to identify when it is appropriate to refer a student to the counseling center.

While emergency services are not available after 5pm through the University Counseling Center, the following agencies may be contacted for assistance:

FSU Crisis Management Unit may be called at 850-644-1234 for assistance. They have trained helpers equipped to handle emergencies.
Dial 211 for Big Bend or 850-224-6333 for 24 hour/day telephone crisis counseling or information and referral. (Toll free at 877-211-7005).

Alcohol & Other Drug Services

Confidential drug and alcohol-related evaluations and outpatient services are provided at the UCC at no additional charge to enrolled FSU students. Students may be mandated for evaluation by various FSU departments. Evaluations require two sessions with a licensed Certified Addictions Professional using interview and standardized assessment instruments. Students may also be seen for outpatient substance use counseling or referred elsewhere, as appropriate.

Please be aware that the UCC does not conduct court-mandated drug/alcohol evaluations or counseling.

Click here for more information on Alcohol & Other Drug Counseling

Referrals

In your initial interview, a counselor will assess your needs and what services may be most appropriate. Students whose needs cannot be met at the UCC may be referred to other departments or services on campus and/or in the community, as appropriate.

Faculty, staff, parents and friends can assist students in need of counseling by calling the UCC for information about scheduling appointments, picking up a brochure at our office (Askew Student Life Center, 2nd floor), or accompanying the student to the UCC for support. We prefer that students make initial appointments themselves, as we find a much greater probability of follow through when students have selected the time themselves. However, if this is not possible, we welcome concerned faculty, staff, parents, and friends’ help in making an appointment. For more information, please see the UCC Referral Guide.

FSU faculty and staff seeking counseling for personal concerns should contact the Employee Assistance Program at 850-644-2288.

Eating Disorder Team

The University Counseling Center (UCC) and the Thagard Student Health Center (TSHC) use a team approach in helping people with eating disorders. The "team" approach is the most successful way of helping those coping with eating disorders or who may be engaged in disordered eating behaviors. Individual counseling, nutrition counseling, and medical consultation are all essential aspects of treatment for eating disorders.

The UCC provides individual counseling which addresses emotional issues that contribute to disordered eating. When a student comes in for counseling, the counselor will typically refer the person to a physician for a physical exam and to a nutritionist for nutrition counseling. This team of professionals will then work together with the student to provide the most effective treatment possible. Students with chronic or severe eating disorders may be referred to community outpatient or inpatient services.