Parents, families, and friends are an integral part of student success. We invite you to be involved in students' lives as you provide valuable support throughout students' journeys at UWEC. We understand that at times, you may wish to consult with a counselor regarding a student at UWEC. If this is the case, we encourage you to call UWEC Counseling Services (715-836-5521) and speak with any available counselor to consult about ways in which you can be supportive to a student. Given that email is not a secure form of communication, we ask that third parties do not share information about a student via email; please call the office to speak with a counselor.
Counseling Services staff abides by laws of confidentiality. As a result, staff cannot release information without the proper written documentation required. As such, staff will not be able to confirm/deny that a student is being seen at UWEC Counseling Services, and they will not be able to provide any information about a student without written consent. However, counselors can serve as a consultant to you regarding what you would be able to do if you were concerned about a student. In cases concerning safety, the counselor may encourage you to share information with necessary school personnel and/or emergency personnel to ensure safety of a student.
Please also know that there are other resources on campus. If a student resides on campus, parents may wish to contact the student's Resident Assistant or Resident Hall Director to notify them of concerns. The Dean of Students Office is also available to assist with student needs. If you consult with a counselor, they may direct you to these offices/departments.
What to Expect At Counseling
We recognize that as a student you may experience an array of emotions when thinking about counseling services. We believe it's best if we outline what you can expect so you can feel comfortable making an appointment.
You can call 715-836-5521 to schedule a first appointment or drop into the Counseling Services office located at Vicki Lord Larson 2122. The first appointment you will schedule is a 1-hour appointment with a counselor.
At the time of the appointment, you will meet with a counselor. The counselor will likely have a set of questions that is asked of all students and they will inquire about the reasons you are seeking counseling services. Then, you and your counselor will discuss what campus and community resources may be most suitable for assisting you with your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
My student started counseling, but they do not think the appointments are frequent enough. What can my they do?
Your student is encouraged to discuss this concern with their counselor as there may be some options to afford the student more frequent and routine care. Counseling Services is based on a short-term treatment model and weekly appointments are not routine. However, counselors welcome and encourage student input regarding their care and will be willing to assist student with possible treatment options.
My student started counseling, but they do not want to continue with the same counselor. What can I tell my them?
We would like to encourage students to talk to their counselor about their concerns. However, if a student is not comfortable talking to their assigned counselor, then they may call to schedule an appointment with another counselor.
I have a question about my student's care and I know they are seeing a specific counselor. Can I request to speak to that counselor?
Although Counseling Services staff understands that you may have specific questions for the counselor your student may be working with, the information cannot be released without proper documentation allowing a counselor to share that information. As a result, we ask that parents not request to speak to a specific counselor unless there is a signed release in place. All counselors are trained in the mental health field and would be willing and able to assist you with general concerns and/or questions. We do our very best to return calls in a timely manner. Moreover, requesting to speak with any available counselor enhances the probability that someone will get back to you in timely manner. If you request a particular counselor and that counselor is not available or out of the office, you may have to wait a period of time before that counselor returns your call.
How can my student get connected to psychiatry?
Counseling Services does not provide psychiatry services. However, UWEC Health Services does have medical providers who are available for medication consultations. To contact Health Services, a student can call 715-836-5360.
How much does Counseling Services cost?
Counseling Services are of no cost at this time. Sessions for students are free. However, students are charged for sanctioned or court-ordered alcohol assessments and ADHD assessments.
