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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions re: Counseling

How do I make an appointment?
Appointments can be requested by completing a Counseling Request Form under FormFinder. Your RC username and password are required for login. For urgent concerns and/or crises, please call the office at 540-375-2286. We ask that people call to make appointments for themselves only. Do NOT complete the request form if you are having suicidal thoughts. Call the office, Campus Safety, 911 or go to the closest Emergency Room so that you can be seen immediately.

What kind of issues are addressed in counseling?

  • Relationship concerns (family, friends, romantic, roommate),
  • Mood concerns (depression, anxiety, loneliness, homesickness and stress)
  • Eating/body image concerns
  • Identity concerns (gender, sexuality, orientation)
  • Substance use issues and/or education (alcohol and/or other drugs)

Who is eligible for services?

  • All students who are enrolled full time at Roanoke College are eligible to use our services.
  • There is no charge. We recommend faculty and staff visit the College's Employee Assistance Plan to learn about options available for them.

Are the services confidential?
Absolutely! Information concerning visits to Student Health and Counseling Services will not be disclosed to anyone without the written permission of the student, except in case of a court order or of imminent danger to self or others. All records of visits are separated from other College files and securely maintained within the center.

When should I use your services?
Anytime! No concern is too big or too small.

Isn't it better for me to try to solve problems on my own?
You will still be solving your own problems. A counselor can help you clarify issues so you can more effectively resolve the issues yourself. The goal of counseling is to help you develop the skills needed for you to become more self-sufficient in the future.

What if I am concerned about another person?
We are happy to consult with you. Feel free to call/email the office and we will reach out to you to help get them connected.

Will counseling show up on my transcript or any official record?
Absolutely not. Visits to counseling are confidential and will not be revealed to the Registrar or other Roanoke College offices. Student Health and Counseling Services staff may confer with one another as needed to provide the best possible services.

Can someone receive counseling by email, instant messaging, Facebook, etc.?
Due to limitations (lack of intonation, non-verbal communication, etc.), we do not offer counseling in this manner. Students may be contacted via secure message on the Student Health Portal to schedule/reschedule appointments or provide basic information.

How long will I have to wait to get an appointment?
We work hard to see students as quickly as possible. We do our best to schedule appointments within one to two weeks of the initial request. (We thank you in advance for understanding that during our peak stress times it may take a little longer).

**Students experiencing a crisis must notify us of this in order to be seen right away.**

How long are counseling appointments?
Counseling appointments typically last 45-50 minutes. They may be scheduled on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on the situation, and will decrease frequency from there. (We thank you in advance for understanding that during our busier times, we may need to schedule on a bi-weekly, or longer, basis).

How long does counseling last?
This varies based on the goals, preference and progress of the client. Some students need only one or two sessions while others are seen for longer. We aim to provide short term psychotherapy and may refer students to off campus providers if that is the best way to meet the student's needs.

What are the hours and location for counseling services?
Appointments can be made Monday-Friday between 8:30 am and 5 pm. The Counseling suite is located in Bast 220. For first time users of the clinic, we have a video of how to naviagte your way to the suite on our Health Services Instagram Page (Counseling Suite Video).

What if I need assistance after hours?
Counselors provide after hours coverage for emergencies only. During an emergency, please contact Campus Safety at 540-375-2310. They can contact the counselor on call, as needed, to consult. We also offer 24/7 counseling via TimelyCare. For non-emergency counseling, you can use their TalkNow feature to speak with a counselor at any point.

Is there a fee?
Counseling services are provided free of charge to students, when appointments are kept. However, there is a no show fee of $25 per missed counseling appointment and can be implimented at the counselor's discretion . We request that clients cancel or reschedule appointments with 24 hours notice to avoid no show fees.

How can I get more information?
Call 540-375-2286 or email counseling@roanoke.edu during regular office hours and we will be happy to answer your questions and/or schedule an appointment.