- Individual Counseling
Many students make use of individual counseling where they can discuss personal issues in a private setting that assures them confidentiality. Individual counseling provides an opportunity for students to discuss personal and relationship concerns with a caring professional who can help them resolve issues and identify constructive ways to cope. Generally, individual counseling sessions last 45 minutes. Students may attend a single session, but most return for several sessions with the same counselor. No one can be notified that a student is receiving counseling without the student’s written permission. The per-session fee for session 1-12 is $10.00, and most clients finish therapy within 12 sessions. You may pay cash for each session or charge the fee to your bursar bill.
- Group Counseling
Group counseling brings together a small number of individuals (usually 6-8) with one or more trained group leaders. Group members share what is troubling them. The process of sharing with each other, listening to each other, giving and receiving feedback, offering support and expressing their feelings about what someone else says or does can be extremely helpful. Group members begin to see that they are not alone. This interaction also encourages individuals to develop new ways of behaving and learning more about how they interact with others. As a result, the original difficulties people brought to group become resolved.
In order to make group most effective, the first few sessions are geared towards establishing trust and safety. During this time, members usually work to establish a level of trust that allows them to talk personally and honestly. Group trust is enhanced when all members make a commitment to the group. Interested students are encouraged to commit to 5 sessions. If at that time you feel group is not adequately meeting your needs, we ask that you come to the group for one last session and say good-bye.
Groups Offered at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS typically offers several general process groups at different times during the week. These groups usually have both male and female members, not all of whom have the same presenting problems. Also, we usually have at least one group for non-traditionally aged students. In addition, CAPS has a DBT Skills group for clients who experience repeated, serious problems in coping. We may also offer special themed groups, such as a Men’s, Women’s, or LGBT group, and we sometimes offer groups which teach clients specific skills, such as techniques useful in reducing anxiety.
How To Join a Group
If you are interested in joining a group and want to get more information please contact us by phone at (618) 453-5371 or stop by Counseling and Psychological Services in the Student Health Center, Room 253.
- Crisis Services
We have walk-in appointments available during our regular business hours to help you if you are in immediate crisis and need to speak with a counselor. For more information click
Crisis Services. Crisis Services are also available after regular hours for students in housing through our Counselor in Residence Program, located in Grinnell Commons, Room 106. The Counselor in Residence Program operates until 9:00 in the evening, seven days a week. Counselors can be reached at (618)453-5371.
- Gender-Based Violence Services
- Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling
Information to come.
- Couples Counseling
In addition to individual and group counseling, Counseling and Psychological Services provides couples counseling. If at least one of you is currently an SIU student, you are eligible for this service. If your partner is a non-SIU student, you must have enrolled legally married spouse or same-sex domestic partner in the SHS on-campus primary care benefit.
Couples counseling can improve your communications skills, help you resolve conflict, and help you feel emotionally connected again. With the help of a counselor, you and your partner have a safe environment in which to talk about issues that are currently troubling you.
You don’t need to be married in order to receive couples counseling, but you must be in a long-term committed relationship. Counseling and Psychological Services does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. You and your same-sex partner are welcome to use our couples counseling services.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program (DBT)
The DBT program is designed for students who feel dissatisfied with their personal lives. Students who benefit from the DBT program answer YES to several of the following questions:
- EMOTIONS -
Do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions?
Do you feel your emotions are in control of your life rather than you controlling your emotions?
- RELATIONSHIPS -
Do you find yourself having chaotic, up and down, friendships or dating relationships?
Do you feel misunderstood or taken advantage of by others?
- COPING -
Do you frequently feel other people can manage life better than you?
Do you engage in self-destructive behaviors such as cutting, an eating disorder, use drugs/alcohol in a way that interferes with school or relationships, have suicidal thoughts/plans, etc.?
- IDENTITY -
Do you feel lost, unsure of who you are or what you want?
- DISTRESS -
Does life frequently feel overwhelming or distressing?
Are you feeling helpless or hopeless?
Students who participate in the DBT Program receive both individual counseling and attend a weekly skills group that teaches members alternative coping skills so they can learn to effectively manage their lives and be more satisfied with life.
- Eating Disorder Outpatient Program (EDOP)
The EDOP is designed to provide comprehensive care to students who have food concerns, body image dissatisfaction, or an eating disorder. Counselors, physicians, and nutritionists work together to provide students with the support and resources they need to meet their individual goals. Students can participate in individual counseling, nutritional assessment and counseling, and medical assessment and treatment. A meeting with one of the Counseling and Psychological Services' counselors can help you decide which services would be most useful in meeting your individual goals.
- SIU Mandatory Suicide Assessment
Following the example of highly successful programs at other universities, SIU has instituted a mandated assessment policy for students who attempt or threaten suicide. If Counseling and Psychological Services receives a credible report of a suicide attempt or threat by a student, we will require that student to come in for three appointments of assessment. He or she will meet with one of our counselors, and the counselor will try to help the student understand what led to the event, what they might have done differently, and how they can handle future situations more safely and effectively. This policy is not intended as a punishment for suicidal students; instead, we hope to assist them in dealing with the stresses of their lives and with their own emotions. Just talking with one of our counselors about suicidal thoughts will not make a student subject to this policy; it is intended for students who have actually threatened or attempted suicide. We are concerned about the safety of all of our students, and we are also concerned about the welfare of the university community as a whole.
