Frequently Asked Questions About UHS Counseling and Consultation Services
What is UHS Counseling and Consultation Services?
What is an Access consultation?
What if I’ve been to UHS for counseling before?
I’m having thoughts about hurting myself or feelings like I want to die. What should I do?
How do I get a refill for my prescription psychiatric medication?
How do I get my records from UHS?
I don’t want my parents to know I’m seeing a counselor. Can I trust you?
How much will counseling or psychiatric services at UHS cost?
What is UHS Counseling and Consultation Services?
UHS Counseling and Consultation Services is the unit of University Health Services that provides mental health counseling and psychiatric services to UW–Madison students. We also offer consultation services to faculty, staff, parents, and campus agencies to help support overall campus well-being. We are staffed by various experts in mental health professions who specialize in working with undergraduate and graduate students. Our staff is experienced at helping students address problems that are interfering with their academic success and personal well-being. Thousands of students come to see us for one or more appointments every year.
What is an Access consultation?
An Access consultation is a drop-in, initial consultation with a mental health care provider at UHS. During this time, you'll complete a brief form, followed by a brief consultation with a counselor who will listen to your concerns and discuss what resources might be most appropriate for you, whether at UHS or elsewhere in the community. Learn more about getting started.
What if I’ve been to UHS for counseling before?
If you have been to UHS for mental health services in the past and wish to resume, check with the reception staff to see how many sessions you have used in the past calendar year. Even if you have exceeded our 10 session limit, a counselor will meet with you to help you figure out your options.
I’m having thoughts about hurting myself or feelings like I want to die. What should I do?
You are very important to us, and we want to help you. If you are having a crisis or feeling suicidal, call us at 608-265-5600 (option 9) 24 hours a day, any day of the year. You’ll be connected to a counselor through our crisis intervention services. If you have hurt yourself or your situation is life-threatening, call 911 or get yourself safely to a local emergency room.
I just got out of a hospital or other inpatient facility (for instance, for an addiction or an eating disorder), and they say I need ongoing outpatient treatment. Can I just come to you?
Congratulations on completing that phase of your treatment. We would be happy to meet with you to see if our services or a referral to a provider in the community would be most helpful. Unfortunately, we may not be able to provide all your treatment ourselves as intensive, ongoing outpatient treatment for issues such as an addiction or eating disorder goes beyond the services UHS can provide.
I’ve heard there’s a limit of 10 counseling visits for students at UHS. Why can’t students come to as many sessions as they want?
We want to make sure our services are available to as many students as possible, and we want students to have a realistic expectation of the types of services we can and cannot provide for them.
In 2009, we conducted a study of how our clients used our services, and we found that the vast majority voluntarily stopped coming to counseling after fewer than 10 sessions. This was not completely surprising to us, as a “short-term” therapeutic approach to the types of issues that students commonly face can often help a person feel better and more in control within a few weeks or months. Some students do require more extensive or intensive treatment, and we can help them find a provider in the community who can help with that.
The policy is 10 counseling sessions within a calendar year or 20 sessions during the course of a student’s academic career at UW–Madison. Group counseling and wellness sessions do not apply to this total.
I feel like I should talk to a counselor at some point, but I don’t want to use up all my sessions in case I need them even more later. Should I wait to come in?
If you are experiencing feelings that are interfering with your ability to be happy or your fulfillment of your academic responsibilities, you should come see us rather than waiting to see if you feel worse. Often, people find that even the act of seeking help can make them start feeling better.
How do I get my records from UHS?
We are happy to release mental health records to other clinical providers. If you plan to transfer your care to another provider, please establish that therapeutic relationship first and then contact us to send records to the new provider.
If students want information about their mental health treatment at UHS for their own records, we will be happy to provide a written summary.
I’m seeing a mental health provider at UHS. Why would I need to give permission for UHS medical providers to access my records too?
In the UHS integrated care model, medical and mental health providers work together to address issues that affect the health of UW students. Many medical and mental health issues are interconnected, so sometimes one health care provider may refer you to another after your initial Access consultation; and sometimes your scheduled provider may invite another specialist to consult within your appointment.
In either case, whenever medical and mental health providers work together as a team on an individual student’s health, they need permission in order to access both parts of the student’s electronic medical record: the medical records and the mental health records. Working collaboratively allows the providers to create the most effective treatment and follow-up plan for your particular needs. These collaborations require the sharing of your health information, and it will only be shared to the extent appropriate for your care.
I don’t want my parents to know I’m seeing a counselor. Can I trust you?
Our counseling services are confidential. If you are 18 or over, the privacy of your medical and mental health records is protected by law, and we will not contact your parents without your permission. However, there are circumstances when our counselors may suggest that it could be helpful for you to discuss something with your parents, or we may encourage you to let us discuss something with them. This can only occur if you sign a release of information. If you decline, we will respect your wishes.
How much will counseling or psychiatric services at UHS cost?
There is no charge for enrolled UW students for mental health counseling or psychiatry appointments at UHS. Students are responsible for charges from providers elsewhere in the community; these may be fully or partially covered under some health insurance policies. Students are responsible for any fees associated with obtaining prescription medications at the UHS Pharmacy or pharmacy of their choice.
Where are you located?
333 East Campus Mall, 7th floor
608-265-5600
www.uhs.wisc.edu
When are you open?
Business hours:
M | T | Th | F 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesdays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Crisis intervention services available by phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
