FAQs

WHERE IS Counseling & Psychological Services LOCATED?

Counseling & Psychological Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Askew Student Life Center (same building as the movie theater).

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE SERVICES?

Any currently enrolled FSU student can take advantage of our counseling services. The FSU student fees covers services offered at Counseling & Psychological Services for no additional charge.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY STUDENT IS RELUCTANT TO SEEK SERVICES?

Entering counseling is a personal choice; however sometimes it may be helpful to encourage a student to speak with a counselor about their  concerns. The following guidance may help a student who is unsure whether they wish to seek counseling:

  • Inform your student that information shared during counseling is confidential to the extent permitted by state law and will not be disclosed without written permission.
  • Reduce the stigma associated with counseling. Tell your student that our counseling services are regularly used by many students for a variety of concerns and that utilizing counseling services reflects good use of one’s resources. Just as it is common to visit a doctor when one has a medical problem, there should be no shame in meeting with a counselor to discuss a personal issue or concern.
  • Remind your student that they can meet with a counselor for one session without committing to ongoing counseling.
  • Refer your student to our website so that they can learn more about the services offered and use the mental health self-assessment tools online. The screenings are free, anonymous, and confidential and will help your student determine if professional counseling is right for them. In addition, your student can find drop-in psychoeducational workshops they can attend for free.

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY STUDENT IS DISTRESSED?

At one time or another, everyone feels upset. However, when some of the following are present, your student is probably in distress:

  • Bizarre behavior or speech
  • Comments in a student’s letters or emails home that arouse concern
  • Extreme dependency on family, including exceptionally long/distressing phone calls or visits home
  • Nervousness, agitation, irritability, aggressiveness, non-stop talking
  • Noticeable decline in quality of school performance
  • Marked change in personal hygiene
  • Prolonged appearance of depression (e.g., sad expression, apathy, tearfulness, distractibility, sudden weight loss or gain)
  • Talk of suicide, either directly or indirectly

Any one of the above signs present in someone does not absolutely indicate serious distress. Many disturbances during college are relatively transient. However, you may become alarmed by changes which are extreme or by significant changes that last longer than is typical. If there is doubt about the seriousness of the problem, consult a clinical staff member about evaluating the situation and taking the most appropriate steps.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY STUDENT EXPERIENCES A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS?

If a student is in crisis during business hours they should visit Counseling & Psychological Services for a walk-in appointment. If a student calls in crisis when Counseling & Psychological Services is closed, they can call our number 850-644-TALK (8255) to speak to a clinician on duty 24/7. Additional emergency services included: FSU Police Department (850-644-1234), 911, or 211 Big Bend.

MY STUDENT IS NOT A STUDENT AT FSU YET BUT IS PLANNING ON ENROLLING FOR THE SEMESTER. MAY WE SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT SERVICES?

Please call us at 850-644-TALK (8255) during regular business hours to speak with a counselor.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON WHAT MY STUDENT TALKS ABOUT IN COUNSELING?

This is not possible without the student’s permission. Federal and state laws require that counseling conversations and records remain strictly confidential. We realize that not knowing what your student is discussing in counseling can be frustrating, especially when you are concerned about their well being. However, it is important to understand that confidentiality is an essential element of the counseling process, as it creates a safe environment for students to discuss their personal concerns openly and honestly.

WILL OTHER STAFF OR FACULTY KNOW THAT MY STUDENT IS RECEIVING SERVICES AT Counseling & Psychological Services?

Other staff and faculty will not be informed unless the student is having a mental health emergency or the student provides consent to speak to a faculty or staff member.

WILL COUNSELING BECOME A PART OF MY STUDENT’S ACADEMIC RECORD?

No. Our records are confidential and are kept entirely separate from student’s academic records.

HOW DO I APPEAL A NO SHOW FEE?

Please click here for information about our no show fee and appeals.