Frequently Asked Questions

All currently enrolled USA students are eligible for counseling services and there is no limit on the number of counseling sessions that one may receive. Counseling services are provided free of charge. The department does charge fees to students directly for some of the standardized tests that are administered.

Appointments can be made by calling (251) 460-7051 or by stopping by in person at 300 Student Center Circle. Business hours are 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

For emergencies, UCWC counselors are available during regular business hours and can be accessed by calling or coming to the center. If a mental health emergency arises on campus after business hours or on the weekend, the University Police Department (460-6312) will contact the UCWC counselor on-call.

We are located at the University Counseling and Wellness Center, 300 Student Center Circle.

All persons parking on campus must have a valid parking pass for the lot in which he or she chooses to park. If you do not have a parking pass for the lots near the UCWC office, we strongly encourage you to obtain a temporary parking pass from Parking Services (located near the University Police Department) prior to attending your appointment. UCWC does not have dedicated parking and, in most instances, cannot assist in parking ticket reversal.

Intake appointments can typically be scheduled within the same week. The initial paperwork takes approximately 15 minutes to complete; you can then expect to spend approximately 30-45 minutes with a counselor who will assess your current situation. Follow-up sessions are scheduled as appropriate to help you work through your problems. There are no limits on the number of individual sessions you can attend per academic year. Additionally, group counseling may be used as an adjunct or primary form of treatment. Group sessions are only limited by the number of groups available and the number of times any group meets.

There is no charge for counseling services. To receive services, you must be a currently enrolled South Alabama student.

Students come to UCWC with a wide range of problems. Many have issues related to their normal development such as identity or relationship issues. Others are dealing with more specific psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bereavement, substance abuse, and/or eating and body image issues. Some students are not sure what the problem might be but just know they are not functioning or feeling the way they normally do. They might notice having a harder time studying, eating or sleeping too little or too much, or otherwise just not meeting their day-to-day obligations. A counselor can help sort out what is wrong in order to get students back on track.

Counseling services are provided confidentially. Information is not divulged to others without your written consent unless there are compelling ethical and/or legal reasons for doing so such as when there is a threat of serious harm to self or others. If you have further questions about confidentiality, please contact our office.

UCWC is committed to providing the highest quality of counseling services to its students. To that end, full-time licensed or license-eligible counselors staff UCWC. UCWC also serves as a training site for South Alabama graduate students in mental health-related fields. The graduate clinicians-in-training are closely supervised by senior licensed staff.

Counselors at UCWC utilize local and on-campus physicians for medication referrals. If you think you may benefit from mental health medication, please contact your primary care physician, Student Health (on-campus), or a psychiatrist for an evaluation. You may choose to contact your health insurance provider for referral options as well.

UCWC does not provide the type of testing necessary to support a diagnosis of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Students interested in this type of testing may want to contact the USA Psychological Clinic at (251) 460-7149.

Counselors are available to consult during business hours if there is a concern about a student. Strategies for helping the student, and if appropriate, getting the student in to see a counselor can be discussed. UCWC staff members do not generally contact students and ask them to come in or inquire about their mental health. It is our belief that counseling is most effective when it is voluntary. If a situation exists in which a student is in imminent danger as a result of a psychological problem and refuses help, then appropriate law enforcement or emergency medical personnel will be contacted.

Due to state-to-state licensing laws, UCWC counselors are unable to provide tele-mental health counseling to students residing in other states and countries.

If you reside in a state or country outside of the state of Alabama, we can help you connect to resources within your community. UCWC is able to provide a brief case management appointment via phone, Zoom, or in-person to provide guidance in seeking services in your area.