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Click on the definitions below to learn more.
Session Limits
A finite number of therapy sessions permitted before you must end with one provider and be referred to another provider. At college counseling centers session limits tend to be for individual therapy, not group, and can be by semester, by academic year, or by degree.
Let's Talk
A short, one-time session with a counselor to discuss low-level issues and problems. Many Let's Talk appointments are held by Community Based Counselors (see above).
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Out-of-Network Benefits
This phrase usually refers to physicians, hospitals or other healthcare providers who do not participate in an insurer’s provider network. The provider has not signed a contract agreeing to accept the insurer’s negotiated prices.
IOP/PHP
Structured outpatient treatment provides a more comprehensive treatment experience. Intensive outpatient (IOP) consists of at least six hours each week and partial hospitalization (PHP) of at least 20 hours each week.
Wait List
A tool used by therapists when their schedules are completely full. You will begin your therapy when space opens up.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Combining the best available research with clinical expertise to deliver effective treatment, often on a short-term basis.
Dean of Students
Most Dean of Students offices provide advocacy, connections to campus resources, and assistance for temporary conditions. They also help with challenges due to health, financial, personal, family or other confidential matters.
Teletherapy
The use of videoconferencing technology to provide mental health services.
Office of Disability Services (ODS)
ODS is where students get help navigating any disability including a physical disability, a learning disability, a chronic health condition, or mental health diagnosis. Contact them to explore accommodations such as extra time on exams, note-taking services, and more.
Sliding Scale Fee
When a client's rate for therapy is based on their ability to pay/income rather than a set fee.
Community Based Counselors
College counselors who have offices in academic departments, professional schools, and cultural centers throughout campus.By embedding the counselors in these spaces, they are able to build familiarity and relationships with the students, staff, and faculty within the community.
Referral
Being sent to another mental healthcare provider for treatment. For students, this can happen when they reach session limits, need more intense care, graduate, transfer, or otherwise withdraw from or leave the university.
Co-pay
A fixed amount you pay for a covered health care service.
Stepped Care
Stepped care is a treatment model that starts with the least intensive intervention that is likely to meet the needs of the client. Levels in a stepped care model include interventions such as self-help resources, peer support, skills-building groups, therapy groups, individual therapy, and psychiatric services.
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor who can diagnose mental health disorders and write prescriptions for psychiatric medication. Only some college counseling centers or medical centers have psychiatrists on staff.