吉祥坊

When should I seek help?

We are aware that life as a student can be extremely stressful and unpredictable. Some of the most frequent concerns include anxiety, stress, depression, grief, loneliness, and family concerns. There is never a right or wrong time to seek help and UCS is here to support you.

I am reluctant to speak with a counselor for fear of judgment from people around me. Why should I go?

We understand that the stigma surrounding mental health issues and treatment may deter people from seeking help. There is nothing shameful or wrong about requiring professional help, the same way there is nothing wrong with going to the doctor鈥檚 when you are sick.

If you are unsure that counseling is right for you, feel free to stop by a Let鈥檚 Talk session, no appointment is necessary. These are brief, informal consultations with counselors, who can listen, offer support, and provide helpful resources.

For locations and times, visit our Let鈥檚 Talk page.

How can UCS help me?

UCS provides 吉祥坊 students with:

• Individual therapy
• Couples therapy
• Group treatment
• Wellness workshops
• Urgent care/crisis services
• Psychiatric consultations
• Alcohol and other drug counseling
• Gender-affirming care
• Case management services

For more information, visit our Available Services page.

Are services confidential?

UCS staff are legally and ethically obligated to protect client confidentiality. Students鈥� therapy records are kept separate from all academic, administrative, disciplinary, and medical records. We will not release information without the knowledge and written consent of the student.

There are some legal exceptions to client confidentiality. For more information, visit our Available Services page, under the Confidentiality section.

How much do counseling services cost?

Counseling services at UCS are free of charge for currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, as well as those enrolled through Tseng College.

How do I make my first appointment?

To make your first appointment, known as an Initial Evaluation, call (818) 677-2366 and select option 1.

For more information, visit our Appointments page.

Where is UCS located and what are the hours?

We are located in Bayramian Hall, room 520. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

I need help immediately, what do I do?

In the case of a crisis, no appointment is necessary to see a counselor during regular hours. For after-hours, you can reach our urgent care assistance at( 818) 677-2366, Option 3.

In the case of a potentially life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.

For more information, visit our Crisis/Urgent Care page.

How many sessions do I get?

UCS utilizes a short-term treatment model for individual and couples therapy. A therapist will work with a student to determine how many sessions will best benefit them.

Some students benefit from one or two sessions, while others benefit from additional therapy sessions. Others might need a couple of sessions with a UCS therapist and then be referred to more specialized services off campus.

Can I switch my counselor?

For counseling to be beneficial, your therapist has to be the right fit for you. If you feel that things aren鈥檛 working, you can mention it to your therapist, who will be supportive of your decision.

Does UCS offer psychiatry services?

Yes, UCS offers psychiatric services, however, you must be seen and referred by a 吉祥坊 counselor.

What is the difference between a Wellness Workshop and Group Therapy?

A wellness workshop is a time-limited, fast-paced workshop meant to develop skills and teach students about certain topics. These usually have around 1-10 members and are led by one of our facilitators. There is no pressure on students to share about personal problems and less opportunity to build relationships with other members. Wellness workshops can be a great option if you are unsure about committing to a group or experience anxiety talking in front of people.

Group therapy is longer and depends on students sharing and talking to one another, providing the opportunity to connect and build community. Group therapy can help you learn skills, better understand your situation, and learn from other students. When you are in a group that is right for you, it can be immensely beneficial. For more information, visit our Groups and Workshops page.

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy provides a place where you come together with others to learn skills, share problems or concerns, better understand your situation, and learn from and with each other. You may realize you鈥檙e not as different or alone as you think.

Research tells us that group therapy is just as effective as individual therapy. For some, group therapy may be the preferred treatment as it provides a group environment we are all familiar with: family, friends, schools, organized activities, or work. We learn from the people we interact with.

What are UCS Groups Like?

UCS groups come in many shapes, sizes, and approaches, but generally vary between 4-10 members, with one or two facilitators present to help lead the group. Most groups meet weekly at the same time, with the same people.

They can be

• Educational for learning coping skills for various concerns
• Support groups
• Process groups or insight-oriented

Some groups are time-limited and do not allow in new members after a certain point in the group, while others are open-ended and allow new members to enter as other members leave. Most groups require a one-on-one pre-group meeting with the group facilitator so that the person interested can learn more and determine if it is the right fit for their goals.听

What Happens in a Pre-Group Meeting?

Prior to group therapy, you will meet one-on-one with a group facilitator. This pre-group meeting takes about 15-30 minutes, where you can ask questions, learn specific details about the group, and introduce yourself to the group facilitator. Together, you can determine whether the group is the right fit for you. The right group at the right time can be highly beneficial.

Isn鈥檛 individual therapy better?

While individual and group therapy are different, research shows that both are effective in different ways. There are so many things that you can get from a group that you can鈥檛 get from individual therapy. You can connect with peers, receive interpersonal feedback from peers, and try new ways of interacting. Your UCS provider can discuss with you how group therapy could be
helpful for you.

I鈥檓 not comfortable with sharing personal problems with strangers, do I have to talk?

It is normal to feel anxiety when meeting new people, especially when talking about yourself. 听We foster a supportive environment so that most people eventually feel safe enough to share what is troubling them, but you will never be forced to share. You may benefit simply from observing others in a group as they work through difficult issues and consider how their situation might apply to you. 听Depending on your comfort level of talking in groups, some groups will be more appropriate than others. 听Talk to your UCS provider about appropriate referrals.

Will the stuff I share be kept private?

Confidentiality is extremely important in group therapy. To make the group as safe and confidential as possible, all group members must agree that they will not disclose to anyone outside the group the identity of other members or what is discussed by other group members within the group. The first session of every group begins with a group conversation about confidentiality and the importance of keeping disclosures in the group. As therapists we have a legal obligation to maintain confidentiality because group members do not have the same legal obligation, we cannot guarantee confidentiality in a group setting but we do expect it. If a
member breaks confidentiality, they will be invited to leave the group.

What do I talk about in group therapy?

Talk about whatever is most helpful for you. Often people talk about school, family, friends, romantic partners, work, reactions to current events, mental health concerns, or whatever is going on in their lives at that time.

Depending on the group, if you need support, specific feedback, or advice, let them know. If you are excited about something, share it with the group. Ultimately, how much you talk about yourself is your decision; it will depend on your comfort level. If you have questions about what might or might not be helpful, you can always ask the group.

Will I be judged in the group?

People who have felt judged or harmed in group settings before may find a UCS group to be a great opportunity to heal from these experiences. Group leaders focus on creating a safe and affirming environment in group. Many students have used group as a way to create more positive experiences and have benefited from the opportunity to feel valued, accepted, and validated by others.

What if there are too many people and I do not get enough attention or have my needs met?

Most therapy groups only have up to 8 members. It is typical for the amount of attention on you to vary from week to week though it is important to let the group if you need some time for support. Recognizing how your own experiences may be related or how you can connect with another member can also help you to learn from others and to facilitate personal growth especially when you find that your concerns are being addressed while others are speaking.

What if my problems are not as bad as others or are worse than others and I don鈥檛 fit in?

Comparing your experiences with others does not help you or the other group members. Group may provide a place for you to experience compassion for yourself and others, without having to decide who went through the worst experience. It provides an opportunity to learn how to both give and receive support Relief can come when we recognize that we are not alone in our struggles.

What if another member of the group is my friend or classmate?
You are not expected to participate in a group with someone that you already know or are not comfortable with. Please inform the group if you know someone else in the group. We will work with you to find the best solution for your level of safety and comfort.

Can I try out a session or two and then decide?

Choosing to join a group that runs 6 to 8 weeks during a semester is a big commitment energy and time-wise. As it is understandable that one would like to 鈥渢est drive鈥� a group, attending a pre-group meeting and talking about your concerns is one way to help you decide whether you want to make that commitment. Groups tend to build upon each other with each session so that you are feeling more comfortable, developing new skills, and/or developing closer connections with the members. Of course, all groups are voluntary. If you decide after a few sessions that the group is not a good fit, please let the group leader know before you stop attending.

Does group therapy count towards the individual therapy session limit?

No, you may attend as many sessions of as many groups as you would like.

Can I do more than one group?

Yes! You can do as many groups as is helpful and fits your schedule.
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What happens at a visit to Let鈥檚 Talk?

Appointments are first-come, first-served. The counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources.

How can I arrange for a Let鈥檚 Talk consultation?

Just stop by virtually! Appointments are first come, first serve; usually not much of a wait.

Who should visit Let鈥檚 Talk?

This service is open to all 吉祥坊 undergraduate and graduate students. Let's Talk is the best fit for the following people:

• Students who are not sure about counseling and wonder what it's like to talk with a counselor
• Students who are not interested in ongoing counseling but would like the perspective of a counselor
• Students who have a specific problem and would like someone with whom to talk it through
• Students who have a concern about a friend and want some thoughts about what to do

I don鈥檛 know anything about counseling, would going to Let鈥檚 Talk help me figure out if I should go?

Absolutely. The counselor will talk through your issue with you and help you determine the best way to get help. If you feel comfortable with the counselor, it's sometimes possible to meet with them at UCS in an ongoing way.

I called UCS and spoke with a counselor. I was offered an appointment 10 business days from now. Can I stop by Let鈥檚 Talk in the meantime?
If you believe you need to be seen sooner than the appointment you were given, it's best to call UCS directly and explain your situation.

I鈥檓 currently seeing a counselor at UCS, and I would like to talk to someone sooner than my next appointment. Can I go to Let鈥檚 Talk?

If your next appointment is not soon enough, it's best to contact your counselor directly to see if they can see you sooner. It鈥檚 important to remain consistent with your provider.

I鈥檓 currently seeing a counselor at UCS, and I鈥檓 not happy with how things are going. Can I go to Let鈥檚 Talk instead?

The best thing to do in this situation is to talk directly with your counselor. Counselors are eager to get your feedback, positive or negative. Often, an open conversation about your concern can help. If, after talking with your counselor, you prefer to transfer to someone else, just ask your counselor directly.

Are there any limits to the confidentiality of a Let鈥檚 Talk consultation?

The best thing to do in this situation is to talk directly with your counselor. Counselors are eager to get your feedback, positive or negative. Often, an open conversation about your concern can help. If, after talking with your counselor, you prefer to transfer to someone else, just ask your counselor directly.

Can Let鈥檚 Talk be a substitute for therapy?

Although Let's Talk counselors are mental health professionals, Let's Talk is not a substitute for formal counseling or psychotherapy and does not constitute mental health treatment. Let's Talk is for consultation about a specific problem. Most students come to Let's Talk only once or twice. It is also a place where students are able to have questions answered about formal counseling. Your Let's Talk counselor can help you determine whether formal counseling would be useful for you.
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