Q: Where is the Psychological Counseling Services Office located?
A: We are located in Reynolds Hall, room 104.
Q: How do I arrange to see a counselor?
A: Stop in the office or call 304-788-6976 and speak with a counselor. If we are available at the time of a walk-in we will see you immediately. If not, we will schedule an appointment as soon as possible and we will work around your academic schedule.
Q: What hours are you open?
A: Our basic hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We will schedule evening appointments upon request and availability.
Q: If I come for counseling, does it mean I'm mentally ill?
A: No. We help with a variety of issues that can feel overwhelming but that are actually pretty common challenges for college students. Some of these include adjusting to new academic demands, homesickness, dealing with parental expectations, choosing a major or career, difficulty with roommates, and dating and relationship issues.
Q: What kind of problems do students talk about?
A: The chief concerns students talk about seem to be adjusting to college, dealing with stress, coping with feelings such as anxious or depressed moods, relationship problems, academic difficulties, self-esteem issues, coping with traumatic events, and family problems.
Q: Who will know that I came in, and can anyone find out what I say?
A: We take confidentiality seriously, and will not tell anyone without your permission that you received our services except in certain cases where we need to seek additional help to ensure your safety or the safety of others. Your records are kept private as well.
Q: Is there a fee for services?
A: Our services are free for enrolled, fee paying students. Some fees are charged for testing.
Q: Do you prescribe medications?
A: No, but we do refer students to the psychiatrist from Student Health Services at West Virginia University using a telepsychiatry service located on the Potomac State College campus. Referrals are made when we believe that a student might benefit from medication; however, it does not mean that you have to accept medication even if it is recommended.
Q: What are the qualifications of the staff?
A: The Psychological Counseling Services Office has one permanent staff member who is a licensed professional and nationally certified counselor.