Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use the Counseling Center?

Any student currently enrolled and paying mandatory fees may use the Counseling Center. Faculty and staff are encouraged to use the services for consultation regarding students as needed.

Why use the Counseling Center?

Students visit the Counseling Center for a variety of reasons: depression, anxiety, stress, time management, coping skills, relationships, family issues, substance abuse, grief and trauma recovery, academic or career struggles or assistance with other resources on and off campus.

Who is on staff?

The professional counseling staff represents the following disciplines: Clinical Interns, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), and Licensed Psychologist (LP).  We also have a Case Manager, Clinical Outreach Coordinator, and Office Manager who provide the range of services available to the Mines campus community.

How can they help?
Many times in life people face difficult situations, and problems can seem confusing and overwhelming. Sometimes choices appear so limited that every possible outcome feels daunting. An objective professional can often help you during these times. The Counseling Center provides a safe place where you can discuss your concerns privately with an experienced professional. Counselors will work with you to clarify problems, develop plans for resolution, or possibly provide other treatment options beyond this center.
Is it confidential?

All communication is held in strict confidence. Counseling Center sessions are a part of a student’s private health record, not your academic record. Information can only be released to others at your written request. Please read our Notice of Privacy Practices.

How much does it cost?
Services are funded by mandatory student fees, so there is no charge per session. In the case of referrals outside the university, most insurance plans, including SHIP, have mental health benefits.
Do I have to have insurance through the school to use the Counseling Center?
The Counseling Center does not require any insurance. However, students are required to have health insurance, including mental health benefits, as a condition of enrollment.
Does the Counseling Center have a waitlist for an appointment?

No, the Counseling Center is proud to have never utilized a waitlist. In order to serve as many students as we can and continue to avoid having a waitlist, we may refer students to community counselors or other counseling center options, like groups or workshops, when appropriate.

How do get started?

You can make a counseling appointment by calling 303-273-3377, online via the Request Phone Consultation link or in person at the front desk on the 2nd floor of the Wellness Center. You can also drop in during our Virtual Office Hours, no appointment needed (zoom link on website). 

How soon can I be seen?

You can usually be scheduled within 1-2 business days of your initial request depending on your availability. If you prefer a particular counselor or specialty, you may have a longer wait depending on availability. Virtual Office Hours are available on a drop in basis, check website for schedule. In cases of emergency, you will be seen with a minimum delay. If a counselor isn’t immediately available, we encourage students to schedule the next available appointment, then utilize the Colorado Crisis and Support line as needed until the student is able to be seen.  

What are virtual office hours?

Virtual Office Hours provides confidential 1-on-1 support with a therapist from the Counseling Center. You can ask a question about a friend, get support for yourself, troubleshoot relationship struggles, or just talk with someone to help you maintain your balance. When you log in to the zoom drop-in office hours, you will wait in an individual zoom “waiting room” until the moderator is available to admit you and present you with some information about the visit and ask for contact information and CWID. Once that is done, the student will join a counselor in a private break out room for the rest of the visit. The counselor will listen to your concerns, assess your needs, recommend resources, schedule a follow-up appointment, or make a referral to a private mental health provider off campus.

What happens in the initial phone consultation?

The counselor will listen to your concerns, assess your needs, determine the appropriateness of services at the Counseling Center, recommend resources, schedule a follow-up appointment with you, or make a referral to a private mental health provider off campus.

How often will I meet with a counselor?
Therapy is individualized to each student and while there are no session limits, the Counseling Center provides short term, solution focused counseling. If it appears that longer term care or specialized services are indicated, staff will assist students in locating referral sources in the community that match their needs.
What is individual therapy?

Therapy is a collaboration between you and a trained professional, during which you’ll meet to address your mental health concerns and identify goals in a safe and confidential space. Therapy is meant to provide a safe space for sharing things that you might not feel comfortable sharing elsewhere, and a therapist can guide you through managing tough emotions, dealing with stressful situations, and using mindfulness techniques. Whether or not therapy will work for you and help you meet the goals you’ve set together depends on your commitment to your own growth.

What is group therapy?
Group therapy is a type of counseling in which one or more trained professionals work with a group of individuals to address a mental health need, goal, or provide education. Group counseling and educational experiences are greatly beneficial in building connections, learning and sharing with others who are struggling or facing similar situations.
Does the Counseling Center prescribe psychiatric medication?
Our counselors provide therapy, staff will assist students in locating referrals as needed.
Does the Counseling Center provide documentation to apply for accommodations with Disability Support Services?
Our center does not provide psychological assessment or documentation for accommodations. For information regarding the application process please see Disability Support Services.
Can the Counseling Center reach out to a student I am concerned about?
Because our services are confidential and voluntary, we do not outreach individual students in the community. If you are concerned about a student, please call us to consult about your particular situation so we can assist you in determining the best course of action.

counselingcenterlogo-minesmark-002 Frequently Asked Questionswc7-150x150 Frequently Asked QuestionsStudent Wellness Center
1770 Elm Street, 2nd floor Golden, CO 80401
Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:45 pm
303-273-3377