Psychiatric Services

• General Information
• What happens the first session with the psychiatrist
• What happens in subsequent sessions
• Why it’s important that you ask questions
• Why it’s important to be consistent
• Why it’s important to continue your counseling in addition to medications
• Why it’s important to call us when you cannot keep your appointment with the psychiatrist

General Information
Consultation with the Center psychiatrist is available only for currently enrolled students.

All students requesting psychiatric services must first see a counselor for an intake appointment.

Counselors will make treatment recommendations, including referrals to see the staff psychiatrist for medication treatment.

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What happens the first session with the psychiatrist
The first appointment with our licensed psychiatrist lasts about one hour. During this initial session you will be asked questions about your symptoms, concerns and current medications. At the end of the session, you will be provided with feedback and recommendations. There is no fee for psychiatric services, however you will be responsible for obtaining prescribed medications.

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What happens in subsequent sessions.
Follow-up sessions with the psychiatrist are generally 15-30 minutes long. During these sessions, the psychiatrist will monitor your response to the medications, and she may make recommendations for adjusting the dosages to achieve the best effect for you.

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Why it’s important that you ask questions.
It is important that you make an informed choice about any treatment you decide to undertake. Therefore, during the initial and subsequent sessions with the psychiatrist, you are encouraged to ask any questions you may have about psychiatric treatment and talk about concerns you may have about any recommended medications. NEVER stop or adjust medications on your own.

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Why it’s important to be consistent.
For your health and welfare, it is absolutely essential that students receiving psychiatric care and medications keep all appointments whenever possible and strictly adhere to the prescribed guidelines and dosages of medications. Students who begin psychiatric care with the Center psychiatrist and who then become noncompliant with either treatment recommendations or attendance expectations may be referred elsewhere for services.

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Why it’s important to continue your counseling in addition to medications.
Clinical research indicates that most people who are prescribed psychiatric medications have better clinical outcomes with longer lasting positive effects if they simultaneously participate in counseling or psychotherapy.

It is our usual practice that consultation with our psychiatrist is available only for students concurrently participating in counseling.

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Why it’s important to call us when you cannot keep your appointment with the psychiatrist.
The psychiatrist is available at the Center two days per week. Therefore, it is imperative that students scheduled to see the psychiatrist cancel their appointments in advance when unable to attend so that the appointment time can be given to another student who may be waiting for an available appointment. The Counseling Center’s number is 256-4222.

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