FAQ

The University Counseling Center is committed to promoting the psychological well-being of Binghamton University's undergraduate and graduate student community and in providing assistance to students in their pursuit of personal and academic growth. It's a positive step that you are considering obtaining counseling help. Counseling can be very helpful for many difficulties and can help provide support, insight, solutions and information about other resources. While you wait for an appointment, we hope that this list helps to answer any questions that you may have about the process.

  • I am scheduled for a triage appointment. What does that mean?

    The triage counselor will talk with you briefly (25–30 minutes) about your needs and the options for counseling. Depending on what fits best for you, the next step may be an initial consultation appointment at the University Counseling Center or it could be a referral to another service. It is possible to use a triage appointment if you are only looking for one meeting.

  • What happens in an initial consultation appointment?

    The initial consultation interview allows us to gather information about your current situation and goals and determine how we can best help. A counselor meets with you to discuss your reasons for seeking help at this time. The counselor also asks some general questions that help us to get to know you. At the consultation interview, you and the counselor will discuss the best treatment options for you.

    Note that the counselor you meet for the consultation interview may or may not be the one you work with if brief, on-going treatment is recommended.

  • What does it mean that I have been placed on a wait list?

    During times of peak demand for services, students sometimes have to wait to access on-going counseling appointments. The wait list means that you are simply waiting for a counselor who has an open spot in their schedule to see you. The time a student remains on the wait list varies. Feel free to check in with the reception staff if you have questions about wait times. While a student is on the wait list, Emergency Counseling is still available during weekday crisis hours, from 1–4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • What other treatment options do I have while I am on the wait list?

    While waiting, other options you may wish to consider include a number of group therapy options we offer throughout the year. Or, you may want to consider a referral to a provider in the community, with whom we can assist in helping you connect. Let us know if you would like to be removed from the wait list and want a referral off campus.

    If you already have an established relationship with a provider from your hometown, you may wish to continue under their care via tele-health. The UCC can assist you in reserving a quiet and confidential place to participate in tele sessions. For more information, call the UCC at 607-777-2772.

  • What other resources are available to help me while I wait?

    The University Counseling Center also has an extensive self-help library, complete with texts and workbooks on a variety of concerns and issues. You are free to borrow any of the books, at your request, throughout a school semester. To borrow one, simply provide your contact information to our front desk staff.

    For academic difficulties related to your distress, there are many resources on campus such as the University Writing Center, Center for Students with Disabilities, the Dean of Students Office and the Student Association Office that may address your concerns.

  • What happens if I have an emergency?

    Counselors reserve time every day to see any student in crisis who needs immediate attention. Call 607-777-2772 and explain that you need to be seen that day. To help students who are experiencing a crisis or emergency, we provide emergency appointments from 1–4 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, we can work to arrange for urgent counseling times at other points in the day, if needed. These are brief, evaluative sessions where we provide you with options for treatment and any other available actions that are relevant to your immediate needs. After this emergency appointment, we will discuss follow-up options.

    The after-hours counseling line is available for nights, weekends and holidays: 607-777-2772, push number 2 when prompted. A counselor will speak with you as soon as possible.

    For life-threatening emergencies, contact University Police at 911 or 777-2222.

    At night or on the weekend, you may also contact the 24-hour Crisis Service Line at Binghamton General Hospital Psychiatric Crisis Center at 607-762-2302. At any time there is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

  • What is group therapy?

    Group therapy is a form of counseling in which about 4–10 people come together under the guidance of one or two of the staff counselors. In group therapy, not only do students receive tremendous understanding, support and encouragement from others facing similar issues, but they also gain different perspectives, ideas and viewpoints on those issues. Group therapy, like individual therapy, is a powerful vehicle for growth and change, and is intended to help people who would like to gain support, increase self-awareness and learn new ways to cope with personal or interpersonal challenges. See more about group therapy in our What is Group Therapy handout or our Group Therapy webpage.

  • How do I get medication?

    Another option available to you is to request a psychiatric evaluation to discuss psychiatric medication options. It is also possible that a counselor may recommend this to you. A psychiatric evaluation is completed at the Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC), and treatment options will then be discussed. If an evaluation is recommended by us at the Counseling Center, we will refer you to psychiatry services at DSHSC and they will guide you about making an appointment. If you would like to contact Health Services directly on your own to request an evaluation for psychiatric medication, then call 607-777-2221 between the hours of 9 a.m.–noon or 1–4 p.m.

  • Can I request to see a psychiatrist and a counselor at the same time? Do I have to?

    Yes, you can meet with both a psychiatrist and a counselor as needed, but this is not typically required. Both psychiatrists and counselors work in the mental health field. A psychiatrist possesses a medical degree and can prescribe medications, whereas the counselor provides "talk therapy." At the UCC, the counselors and psychiatrists work collaboratively to provide the best possible treatment for students as part of a treatment team. Oftentimes, one is referred to the other in order to enhance the best possible outcome. If you are waiting for an appointment at the UCC, you may contact the DSHSC for an appointment with a psychiatrist, if desired. Call 607-777-2221 between the hours of 9 a.m.–noon or 1–4 p.m.

  • What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment at the University Counseling Center?

    If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, call the Counseling Center at 607-777-2772, visit our office in Old O'Connor 264 (OO-264) or you may communicate with your counselor via the Online Student Health Portal. Due to the heavy demand for services, we strongly request that you cancel or reschedule one day (24 hours) in advance of your scheduled appointment time.