WHAT IS COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES?
Counseling & Psychological Services is a student service agency within the Division of Student Affairs. The major goal is to provide counseling services that help each student grow and develop emotionally, interpersonally, and intellectually.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR COUNSELING SERVICES?
All currently registered students are eligible for services at Counseling & Psychological Services. Students will be asked to show your FSU Card at each visit.
WHO PROVIDES COUNSELING SERVICES?
The staff consists of licensed Psychologists, Mental Health Counselors, Clinical Social Workers, Art Therapists, and Certified Addiction Professionals. Services are also provided by masters and doctoral interns under the supervision of professional staff.
WHAT TYPE OF SERVICES ARE OFFERED?
Counseling & Psychological Services provides individual, group, and couples counseling, crisis intervention, alcohol and other drug assessment and counseling and referrals. The center also offers a wide variety of workshops and presentations on mental health topics for student organizations, residence halls, and the university community.
WHAT ARE THE BUSINESS HOURS?
Counseling & Psychological Services is open Monday-Friday, 8am to 4pm, and is closed on major holidays. Students can walk-in to see a clinician Monday-Friday, 8am to 4pm. Counseling & Psychological Services also offers a counselor on duty after-hours crisis line (24/7) by calling 850-644-TALK (8255).
WHEN SHOULD I REFER A STUDENT?
If you notice the following issues or changes in behavior in a student, please consider referring the student to Counseling & Psychological Services:
- Abrupt changes in behavior, hygiene or appearance
- Anxiety about a family situation or a relationship difficulty
- Bizarre behavior or disjointed thoughts
- Chronic fatigue and lack of energy
- Inappropriate behavior which interferes with other students functioning in the classroom
- Irritability, aggressive or abrasive behavior
- Noticeable fearfulness, tearfulness, or nervousness
- Preoccupation with death
- Poor class attendance
- Self-injurious behavior (e.g. cutting)
- Sense of aimlessness-“no purpose in life” or feeling like a burden to friends or family
- Signs of alcohol or drug use
- Suicidal thoughts-“I want to go to sleep and never wake up”
- Withdrawal from friends or family
WHAT SHOULD I SAY TO A DISTRESSED STUDENT?
It is important to talk to a student about your concern. Asking someone if they have thoughts about suicide will not put the idea in the person´s head, but you will provide the person with a safe space to discuss their feelings. Our Noles C.A.R.E. program provides a step-by-step guide to talking with a distressed student. Here is a brief outline, and you can find more information on the Noles C.A.R.E. webpage.
- Communicate your concern to the student: “I’ve noticed you missed several classes over the past two weeks. How have you been?”
- Ask questions: “I noticed you wrote a paper about death for last week’s assignment. Have you had thoughts about death or suicide?”
- Refer to resources:
- During regular business hours:
- Counseling & Psychological Services - 850-644-TALK (8255)
- Department of Student Support and Transitions - 850-644-2428
- During regular business hours:
- Anytime (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- FSU Police Department - 850-644-1234
- Big Bend 211 or 877-211-7005
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Encourage help-seeking: Support the student by helping them schedule an appointment or walk them over to Counseling & Psychological Services. If you are especially concerned that student is in imminent danger of harming him or herself, or others, call the FSUPD at 850- 644-1234.
I THINK I NEED COUNSELING, BUT I´M NOT A STUDENT AT FSU. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you are employed as staff or faculty at FSU, you can seek support services through the Employee Assistance Program.
