Brooks College of Health

FAQ
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions at the UNF Counseling Center:
How do I make a counseling appointment?
What happens during an Initial Assessment?
    Your initial consultation is an opportunity for you to share your concerns and provide background information. This information will help our clinicians to match you with the most appropriate services for your needs. At the conclusion of this appointment, your counselor will provide you with recommendations, which may include a variety of services at the counseling center and/or referrals to community-based services and resources.
What is the process to get an appointment to see a psychiatric provider?
    Students can be referred to see a psychiatric professional after they have met with a UNF counselor for an initial assessment.
What if I have an urgent counseling need? And what is considered urgent?
    Call our UNF Counseling Center at (904) 620-2602, select option 2 or come into our main office for a walk-in appointment from 10 am- 5 pm, Monday thru Friday.

    If a student is having thoughts about harming themselves or someone else or is struggling to function and take care of basic daily needs, then that is definitely an emergency, and the person should be seen as soon as possible. However, other situations might be considered an “emergency” or urgent based on cultural differences, amount of support, coping skills, or the immediate stressors the student is facing. Students are often the best evaluators of whether something feels urgent enough to warrant seeing a counselor as soon as possible, and we want to be sure to help them at that moment if there is a need.
Who are the counselors?
    Our therapists are a multicultural, multi-disciplinary group of mental health professionals specifically trained to work with a university population. Our therapists include licensed professionals as well as master’s and doctoral level trainees who are under the supervision of a licensed professional. To learn more about our UNF staff, check out our meet the UNF staff page.
How long do you keep records?
    Records are destroyed seven years after the last visit. This process is done annually
How many sessions do I get the UNF Counseling Center?
    Many students benefit from just one session of counseling. You and your counselor will discuss what best fits your needs, students can receive up to a maximum of 12 sessions per year.
What if I don’t like my counselor and want to change to someone else?
    If you would like to transfer to a different therapist, then talk with your current counselor about your concerns and request. If you decide that you would still like to see a different counselor, then your therapist can identify another appropriate counselor for you to see either at the counseling center or in the community.
What are therapy groups?
    Each semester the Counseling Center offers a wide variety of opportunities to enhance your college experience through working with others in a group. Knowledgeable therapists facilitate the group experience by creating an atmosphere of safety and respect that is conducive to learning and personal growth. Each semester, group programs that cover topics relevant to your success as a college student will be offered.

    For further information go to Group Counseling.
I just graduated/withdrew. Can I still see someone at UNF Counseling Center?
    Yes, you can still see someone at the UNF Counseling Center until the last day of eligibility or are no longer considered an “active” student.