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 for counseling services?
Any currently enrolled FSU student can take advantage of our counseling services. The FSU student health fees cover 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:
- Inform your student that information shared during counseling is confidential to the extent permitted by state law.
- Reduce the stigma associated with counseling. Many students use counseling services for a variety of concerns.
- Remind your student that they can meet with a counselor for one session without committing to ongoing counseling.
- Refer your student to our website for information on services and free mental health self-assessment tools.
How can I tell if my student is distressed?
Everyone has emotional struggles at one point or another. . Here are some signs that may indicate if your student is in distress:
- Bizarre behavior or speech
- Comments in a student’s writing, emails, texts or social media posts 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 changes in personal hygiene
- Prolonged appearance of depression (sad expression, apathy, tearfulness, distractibility, sudden weight loss or gain)
- Talk of suicide, either directly or indirectly
College life is challenging, and students may experience heightened emotions at some point. Often, they are relatively transient lasting for a short period. You may become alarmed by changes which are extreme or last longer than is typical. If there is doubt about the seriousness of the problem, please consult with 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, 211 Big Bend, or 988 National Suicide Hotline.
My student is not yet enrolled at FSU but planning to. 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?
We cannot update you without the student’s written 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?
No party at FSU will be informed that any student is utilizing our services without that students explicit and written consent. Confidentiality is strictly maintained. There are a few legal exceptions to confidentiality. For more information on these, visit (link to /Services confidentiality section)
Will counseling become a part of my student's academic record?
No. Our records are confidential and are kept entirely separate from students academic records.
