Eligibility & Service Limitations

The Counseling Center provides a wide range of mental health services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of UIC students. Within our stepped care model, we are successfully able to provide effective services for most students with a variety of concerns and goals.

However, just like any other healthcare facility, our services are not comprehensive and there will always be some limits to what we can provide. In these cases, our staff can help students get connected to resources that will best meet their needs.

Eligibility for Services Heading link

Counseling Center services are available to eligible UIC students. Faculty and staff are not eligible for counseling services but can learn more about mental health services through UIC’s Employee Assistance Program here.

Because the Counseling Center is funded by the Health Service Fee required of all students, only individuals who are enrolled in the current semester or in “continuing student status” are eligible to receive services at the Counseling Center. Continuing student status includes:

  • Students who are taking one semester off (e.g., summer term off, but not summer AND fall terms off) and planning to return the following semester,
  • Students who are continuing services during the period between semesters (e.g., during winter break), and
  • Students who enrolled and then withdrew late enough that their health service fees were not reimbursed, but have the intention of enrolling the following semester.

An exception may be made for:

  • Limited circumstances when client loses eligibility or graduates before the course of counseling has been effectively completed, particularly if the client is in crisis or otherwise at risk.

Service Limitations & Scope of Services Heading link

Mental health is complex, and so are the types of services available to improve it. Because our services are primarily short-term and goal-directed, they may not be the optimal resource for students who need certain types of care. Our staff is trained to refer students to the services and resources that are most likely to meet their needs, whether that’s here at the Counseling Center, another office on campus, or off-campus mental health services.

Some of the most common concerns that we see include:

  • Anxiety or worry related to academics or other life experiences.
  • Difficulty navigating relationships with other people
  • Mood or self-esteem issues such as depression, body image concerns, or self-defeating behaviors.
  • Difficulty adjusting to life transitions
  • Stress related to school, work, relationships, or other circumstances
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Discrimination, cultural adjustment, identity development (e.g., gender, sexuality, race, ability)
  • Sexual concerns
  • Grief and loss
  • Trauma (e.g., abuse, violence, sexual assault)

Some mental health concerns often require longer-term or specialized services not provided at the Counseling Center. These could include:

  • Psychotic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusional beliefs) that are not well-managed with medication
  • Chronic or persistent mental health conditions
  • Severe substance abuse, personality, or eating disorders

Additionally, there are some mental health-related needs that may be better addressed by other offices on or off campus. In these cases, our staff may provide referrals to these services or may recommend them in addition to services at the Counseling Center. Some examples include:

  • Resources for emergency housing, food, or funding.
  • Accommodations for students with disabilities.
  • Tutoring or support completing academic assignments.

Please note that all students are eligible for 24/7 crisis services and an Initial Consultation. If you’re a student who is wondering whether your concerns fall outside our scope of practice, please do not hesitate to use these services.

There are some types of mental health treatment that the Counseling Center cannot provide because they require specialized providers, are outside our scope of practice, or would make it difficult to meet other requests for service. These include:

  • Long-term individual therapy.
  • Family therapy.
  • Therapy sessions more than once per week.
  • Virtual therapy services for students outside of Illinois a the time of the appointment (some services such as crisis intervention are available regardless of location).
  • Intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, or inpatient services.
  • Individual counseling initiated only for course credit.
  • Psychiatric medication for students who are not current clients at the Counseling Center.
  • Counseling mandated by a court or other disciplinary body (e.g., Dean of Students office).
  • Counseling or assessment required by employers, government agencies, or academic departments.
  • Assessment and/or treatment for the sole purpose of obtaining documentation for academic, employment, travel, or housing accommodations.
  • Comprehensive psychological evaluation, including but not limited to:
    • Neuropsychological evaluations (e.g., for concussions, ADHD, learning disabilities)
    • Forensic assessments
    • Custody evaluations
    • Assessment and documentation for service or support animals
    • Fitness-for-duty evaluations
    • Medical cannabis prescriptions

Yes. The information on this page is not comprehensive, and all treatment decisions are made on an individualized basis, consistent with Counseling Center policy. Other factors that may influence these decisions can include but are not limited to:

  • Ongoing treatment with another mental health provider
  • Inappropriate, harassing, menacing, threatening, or violent behaviors
  • Unwillingness to provide information needed for clinical assessment
  • Inconsistent attendance
  • Consistent refusal to follow treatment recommendations

Occasionally, our staff may make temporary exceptions to the limitations described above on a case-by-case basis. Examples of situations when exceptions might be considered include:

  • Management of a current or recent mental health crisis
  • Completion of treatment for clients making good progress but needing a temporary extension of services
  • Coverage through upcoming graduation

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a clinical recommendation or referral. If you have questions about our scope of services, please contact the Counseling Center at (312) 996-3490.