Counseling Center

FAQs

What should I expect from a counseling relationship?

All counselors are different, but he most important thing is to find a counselor with whom you feel comfortable and who is helping you move toward the change you desire. Things you can always expect from our staff are that we will listen to you, respect you, and maintain your confidentiality (there are a couple rare exceptions to confidentiality, see below).

Will you keep confidential what I share?

Confidentiality is taken very seriously. Both as part of our profession’s Ethical Codes and NASW and as a matter of law you can expect that in almost all cases information you share will remain confidential within the Center. There few, rare situations in which we can or must share information with others include:

• When the client gives us written permission to share information with someone else;
• When its seems imminently likely that an individual is dangerous to themselves or someone else (for example, they might kill themselves soon);
• When information is offered that leads us to believe that a child or an adult who is unable to protect him or herself has been or is likely to be abused or neglected;
• When the information is requested by valid court order.

Am I eligible for services?

Individual counseling is available to students who are enrolled at the University.

Although faculty, staff, and administration are encouraged to use the Counseling Center for outreach programs and consultation, individual services for University of Maine employees are provided by the Employee Assistance Program.

What forms do I need to fill out?

If this is your first visit to the Center, you will be asked to fill out a few forms to gather important background and contact information. They are available to complete on the computers in the lobby at the Counseling Center. They usually take 20-30 minutes to fill out, so please plan to arrive early to your first appointment.  Students are asked to update contact information each new school year or if major changes have occurred in your life. There is also a very short form we will ask you to fill out before each visit. That form helps us to assess how effective our services are in helping you meet your goals.

Is the Center’s teletherapy only available to students located in the State of Maine?

If you are geographically located outside of the State of Maine and want services, there may be limitations to what we can provide. We must follow the licensing law in the state you are located. Please call to discuss when this situation arises 207-581-1392.

What are Doctoral Interns and Masters Interns?

The Counseling Center is a national training site for doctoral-level students in clinical and counseling psychology, and is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Doctoral Psychology Interns have finished all their doctoral course work, are completing or have completed a dissertation, and done psychotherapy part-time under supervision for at least 2 years. They are fulfilling a year-long, full-time internship–like a medical residency–before receiving their doctorate degree. The Counseling Center is also a training site for advanced Master’s students  in the mental health field. All services rendered by trainees are supervised by licensed psychologists on staff at the Counseling Center. Their work is recorded (audio or video) as part of supervision. They cannot record sessions without your consent and will discuss this with you when you meet.