Counseling Center

The UNC Counseling Center is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc

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Welcome to the Counseling Center. The Counseling Center offers time-limited individual, group, and couples therapy to currently registered University of Northern Colorado students. Please read the following information about our services before your first appointment.

Initial Appointment

During your first appointment, you will have an opportunity to discuss your concerns, and a counselor will help you determine the kind of services that will best meet your needs. You are encouraged to express you feelings honestly and ask any questions you may have. If you are requesting group therapy, your initial appointment may also serve as your group screening appointment.

Since the demand for counseling is great, there is sometimes a wait for services. If we are unable to provide you counseling immediately, you may be provided a contact person for you until the on-going service you require are available.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services
All currently registered UNC students are eligible to receive a free initial appointment and referral services. Students are not eligible for services after graduation or upon dismissal from the University.  The Counseling Center may not be able to meet the clinical needs of all students, in which case, the student will be referred to the appropriate clinical provider outside our agency.

• Individual Counseling -Each therapist has a very limited number of openings for students needing longer-term treatment; therefore, many students requiring longer-term treatment are referred to community agencies or private practitioners. If you are assigned to a counselor here, the two of you will set your appointment times.  Most of our individual clients are seen once a week for 50 minutes.

Your counselor may ask your permission to make an audio or videotape of your meeting.  The tape will be used only for the supervision of your counselor and will be confidential.  You do not have to consent to taping in order to be seen here -–it is optional. Counselors may also share information about center clients with each other, to insure the quality of care.

• Psychiatric Services -   Your counselor may refer you to the Center’s psychiatrist.  The fee for an initial hour psychiatric appointment is $100, and half hour follow up appointments are billed at $50.  Psychiatric appointments are often covered by insurance. Clients are responsible for working with their respective insurance companies for coverage.
• Group Therapy Services - Group therapy services are offered on a space available basis to students.  Group meetings are usually 1.5 to 2.0 hours.
• Mandatory Assessment  -  If you are referred for a mandatory assessment, the fee for the initial appointment is $40. If a standardized screening is deemed necessary, a $35 fee will also be charged.  Follow-up appointments will be billed at $15.

Although many services can be provided by Center Staff, there are some specialties we do not offer (e.g., certified treatment for domestic violence offenders).  In addition, the Center may have a waiting list for certain services at some times during the year or be unable to offer the length of treatment you desire.

When we do not offer the services you need or desire, or when we have a wait for services, our counselors can give you information about other service providers in the community.  Many students have health insurance coverage (on their own or through parents or spouses) that may offer other options.  We encourage you to be an informed consumer of mental health services and explore the alternatives available to you.  In cases where you are referred to a mental health provider outside of the UNC Counseling Center, it is your responsibility to follow through with these treatment referrals. If you have questions, please ask one of our counselors.

Missed Appointments and Late Cancellations
If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please call 351-2496 to let us know. 
If the Counseling Center has not been contacted prior to your appointment, a “no-show” fee will be billed to your UNC Student Account.
The “no-show” fees are as follows: a psychotherapy appointment, $15; psychiatric intake, $100; psychiatric follow-up fee, $50.
Repeated rescheduling and/or canceling of appointments may result in a suspension of your ability to reschedule without first
speaking with a counselor or the center director.

Urgent Concerns
If you need immediate assistance due to a life threatening concern, please call 911 or the UNC police at 351-2245.  The Counseling Center offers limited walk-in emergency counseling for non-life threatening crises during normal office hours (8 a.m.- 5 p.m.).  After hours and on holidays, emergencies should be directed to the UNC police department (911 or 351-2245).  Please do not E-mail staff of the UCC if you are in crisis, as these communications are not immediately accessed or confidential.

Insurance
You are responsible for the cost of treatment.  We accept cash, checks, debit or credit cards, or services can be billed to your student account. If you purchased UNC Student Health Insurance your insurance will be billed for you.  Psychiatric services require a $45 co-payment for the initial appointment, and a $25 co-payment for each follow-up session.

 If you do not have the Student Health Insurance Program, many major medical insurance policies will cover services at the Counseling Center. Payment is expected at the time of service.  Our receptionist will provide you with a receipt for you to submit to your insurance provider.

If you have any problems with the services or staff and do not want to discuss them with your counselor, please contact the Counseling Center at 351-2496.  We are here to serve you, and your concerns are important to us.