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Counseling Services

Everyone needs help sometime

It is normal to experience distress at challenging times. We all have had times when we feel at a loss and don’t know what to do. 

Students often seek assistance for difficulties associated with:

  • Transitioning to college
  • Loneliness or isolation
  • Unhealthy relationships
  • Sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking
  • Low mood/depression
  • Anxiety/worry
  • Sexuality or gender identity
  • The loss of a loved one
  • Traumatic events
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • The experience of discrimination and prejudice
  • Body-image and/or eating disorders
  • High levels of stress

Stop by the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)(OC 1051) or call us (812-464-1867) to schedule an appointment. Appointments must be made by the student and cannot be made by a family member or friend.

Services Provided

Individual Counseling

In individual counseling, students meet one-on-one with a professionally trained counselor to  explore any personal problems or concerns. Sessions are typically 45-50 minutes long, once a week or every other week. Initial sessions focus on helping you to explore personal issues and helping us to understand your reasons for seeking assistance. If we feel that we can address your needs, you will be assigned to a counselor within our center. If, however, we feel that we cannot address your needs because they are beyond the role and/or scope of services available at the Counseling Center, an appropriate referral outside the Counseling Center will be provided.

Stop by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - (OC 1051) or call us (812/464-1867) to schedule an appointment. Appointments must be made by the student and cannot be made by a family member or friend.

Group Counseling

Are you looking for a place...

...you don't feel alone with your problems?

...you can receive support, as well as give support to others?

...you can hear what others would do if they were in your shoes?

If so, consider joining a Group!

Counseling groups are an excellent way to receive support and to grow from the experiences of others. While group topics vary by semester, they often focus on relationships, depression and anxiety, grief and loss, and coping with trauma.

Call 812-464-1867 or stop by OC 1051 to find out if one of our groups might be a good fit for you. Information/sign-up sessions will be scheduled soon!

Couples Counseling

In couples counseling, 2 students meet with a counselor to discuss issues impacting their relationship. To be eligible for couples counseling, both persons must be enrolled as USI students.

Substance Use Assessments

If you are concerned about your use of substances (alcohol or drugs), our substance use assessments are designed to help you think critically about your patterns of use and make good, informed choices. All assessments are done in a collaborative, supportive, and non-judgmental manner!

Outreach

Our workshops and programs are designed to promote wellness and support a healthy campus climate. Topics often include stress management, forming healthy relationships, developing healthy eating patterns, and helping a friend in need. Please see our Outreach & Programming Guide for details about upcoming events as well as programs that can be requested by students, faculty, and staff. To request a program, please go to our Request a Presentation Page.

Consultation

Students, parents, and university personnel can at times become concerned about a friend or loved one. When this occurs, we are happy to speak to you, give you support, and help you think through your options.

Eligibility

Services are available to all currently enrolled USI students (services for faculty and staff are available through the University’s EAP provider, Deaconess CONCERN. Click here to learn more). Students needing extensive or specialized services may be referred to community resources.

Cost

All services are supported by tuition and student fees, and students do not need to pay extra to access counseling services. However, students found responsible for certain violations of the Code of Student Behavior may be charged an additional administrative fee for a Substance Use Assessment.

Privacy / Confidentiality

We are committed to taking all reasonable steps to maintain your privacy. All communications, including your decision to even seek counseling, are kept confidential. We will not release information about you to anyone outside the Counseling Center without your written consent, except for certain exceptions that are required by law.

Exceptions to confidentiality include, but are not limited to the following:

  • If we believe you are in imminent danger of self-harm.
  • If there is reason to believe that child, elder, or dependent abuse has occurred.
  • If you report being sexually assaulted and are under the age of 18.
  • If you express threats of violence towards another person.
  • If federal law enforcement officials request your information under the United States Patriot Act.
  • Under court order, subpoena or as otherwise required by law.

Any required disclosure will be made to the appropriate authority and will be limited to material relevant to the issues involved. Additionally, should you be assessed to be a danger to yourself or others, or if hospitalization is pursued (either voluntarily or involuntarily), information about the situation will be disclosed to appropriate university personnel, your parents or guardians (as appropriate), and other essential third parties.

The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff often work as a team. Your Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff member may consult with other members of theCounseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff in providing services to you.