Policies

Confidentiality Policy

In order to insure a safe environment for students to explore their personal concerns, all counseling services are confidential. This means that our staff will not reveal the identity of students who seek our services, will not confirm or deny a student’s participation in counseling, and will not provide any details about what has been discussed in counseling without the student’s written consent. We do not give information to parents or to other offices or departments within the university without a student’s written consent. Similarly, information about participation in counseling will not appear on a student’s academic records.

Any information, oral or written, given to a counselor will be kept confidential, including the fact that you are receiving services. No one, inside or outside the university, will be told that you are a client here. This is required by the law of the State of Illinois and the ethical code of our profession. No information can be given to anyone unless authorized by you in a written statement, with these exceptions:

• your counselor may seek consultation or supervision with members of our staff;
• individuals on our staff may use client files in research. Any report of research results would not include information by which an individual client might be identified;
• a court may attempt to subpoena your records and/or the testimony of your counselor. While laws provide a great deal of protection, we cannot guarantee that records will not be released under these circumstances;
• if you are dangerous to yourself or others;
• if current child or elder abuse is suspected.

Group counseling is frequently the treatment of choice for college students; in many ways group counseling is the very best of what we have to offer. For issues such as troubled relationships, loneliness, depression, grief/loss, and low self-esteem, group is a highly effective form of treatment. If group counseling has been recommended to you it’s because your counselor believes that it is the best way to address your concerns. What is talked about in group is confidential and is not discussed outside the group.

Session Policy

Counseling and Psychological Services is designated as the primary mental health agency for assisting SIU students who are experiencing some form of psychological or emotional distress.  In order to make sure all students have access to timely services, Counseling and Psychological Services has established session limits.

SIU students will be eligible for up to 12 appointments per year of individual or couples psychotherapy when they seek ongoing counseling services.  No-shows and visits to the COD count as appointments. Therefore, it is important that students work collaboratively with their therapist in determining how best to use their sessions.

Clients are encouraged to talk to their therapists concerning how many appointments they have currently used and also how many appointments they have accumulated in any prior therapy at Counseling and Psychological Services.

How Do I Get a Copy of My Records?

Client records are retained in this agency for seven years. After that, records are shredded or erased. Your records here are completely separate from any other SIU records. To receive a copy of your records, please fill out the Release of Information Form (pdf) and submit it to our office.

Mental Health Reporting

Illinois State Law requires that we report to the Department of Human Services and the Illinois State Police any individual who, if granted access to a firearm, would pose an imminent threat of serious harm to themselves or another person or who is likely to act in a manner dangerous to the public.