Counseling Services

There are many resources that may be helpful you — both on campus and in the community.

Learn more about all Sandburg and the surrounding community have to offer to promote your well-being. 

Mental Health America (MHA): Offers free online screenings for depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders and much more. The website also provides free online articles, podcasts, and more. 

Please note: Online screening tools are meant to be a quick snapshot of your mental health. If your results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing your results with someone. A mental health provider (such as a doctor or a counselor) can give you a full assessment and talk to you about options for how to feel better.

This website is an informational resource, not a crisis support line. If you need immediate help, you can reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, has harmed themselves or harmed another person, call 911.

Sandburg students seek counseling for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons include depression, anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, substance use/abuse, abuse and domestic violence, suicide ideation, time-management, relationship difficulties, grief, housing crisis and difficulty meeting basic needs.

Many people experience some anxiety going to their first counseling appointment. Knowing what to expect can help to alleviate some of this anxiety. Counselors are trained to assist you in feeling comfortable. They will never force you to discuss anything you don't want to or are not willing to talk about.  

It's important to be open and honest. The counselor will ask a number of questions to help them better understand you and what the best approach may be to help you to alleviate negative symptoms and find healthy ways to change and/or cope with your given situation.

You can use TimelyCare, a free 24/7 telehealth service for Sandburg students. Providers are available to offer medical and mental health support via phone or secure video.

Services include:

• Medical: 24/7, unlimited on-demand or scheduled access to a medical provider who can treat a wide range of common illnesses like cold and flu, sinus infection, allergies and more

• TalkNow: 24/7, unlimited on-demand access to a mental health professional to talk about anything at anytime

• Scheduled counseling: Scheduled appointments to meet with a licensed counselor (limit six per year)

• Psychiatry: Scheduled appointments available through a counseling referral

• Free classes: Yoga, meditation and other wellness-oriented sessions

Visits can happen from any web-enabled device: Smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop. TimelyCare is available from anywhere in the United States.

To get started, visit timelycare.com/sandburg or download the app, and register an account with your Sandburg email address.

Privacy and confidentiality are at the core of successful counseling. It is imperative that you feel you can talk openly and honestly. When you meet with your counselor for the first time, they will discuss with you any potential limits of their confidentiality, as well as how your privacy is respected.

TimelyCare counseling services are free to you. In some cases, a mental health counseling referral to an agency that requires payment may be necessary.

Incidents of crimes based on gender, such as stalking, bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment/assault on campus must be reported to the Title IX coordinator and the chief safety officer. Although these reports are anonymous, you will be encouraged to talk to these departments to take appropriate action as needed.

Students have the option to designate a third party to receive their private mental health information. View the optional disclosure of mental health information for more information.

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COUNSELOR AND AN ACADEMIC ADVISOR?

A counselor is professionally trained in mental health counseling. 

An academic advisor is a professional staff member trained to assist students with academic planning. Advisors make referrals for various student concerns to counselors or other campus services. 

IS COUNSELING ONLY FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS?

No, counseling can also assist with adjusting to new circumstances or a new culture, building self-esteem, choosing a career path, coping with grief, learning new communication skills, learning stress management, overcoming anxiety, resolving conflict with a teacher, friend or relative, and more. 

ARE COUNSELING SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL?

Records of counseling sessions never become part of a student’s transcript or academic and education records. 

We understand that counseling often involves the disclosure of sensitive, personal information. Your counseling information is confidential. No information about who is receiving counseling or the nature of their visits is released without the written permission of the person. Exceptions to this include subpoena, in cases of current child abuse, or if there is an expressed intent to harm one’s self or another person.