Initial Consultations – How to Schedule and What to Expect
Before the Initial Consultation Heading link
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To schedule an initial consultation, call us at 312-996-3490.
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On the day of your appointment, you will be asked to complete our intake paperwork. This typically takes about 30 minutes to complete.
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You will also sign forms that explain our confidentiality policy and your rights and responsibilities in counseling.
During the Initial Consultation Heading link
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Your initial consultation counselor will send you a Zoom link after you submit your paperwork.
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You will spend about 45 minutes with your initial consultation counselor. They will ask questions about your concerns, your history, and your goals.
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Your initial consultation counselor will make personalized treatment recommendations for you.
Your Initial Consultation Counselor Might Recommend These In Person or Virtual Services Heading link
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Workshops, like our Mind/Body Programs
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Therapy services at the Counseling Center, like brief individual or group therapy
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Or other resources, like other UIC offices or referrals to outside providers for longer-term or more specialized therapy
After the Initial Consultation Heading link
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You will receive an email from our case manager, confirming your treatment plan and giving you contact info for your mental health provider(s)
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Once you receive this information, you can proceed with scheduling appointments
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If you need any assistance with your treatment plan, you can contact our case manager for support!
Additional Information Heading link
Confidentiality Heading link
Your privacy is a top priority for us. We understand that many students have concerns about personal information or identities shared in counseling being shared with others. Information shared with Counseling Services staff are kept confidential within the Counseling Center unless you give your counselor written permission to release specific information. This means that visits here are not part of your academic record, nor are they a part of any medical record you may have at campus medical facilities, such as at UIC Family Medicine.
State and Federal law states that there are exceptions to this general rule, designed to protect, not to punish:
- You may request (by completing a release of information form or designating an Emergency Mental Health Contact) that your counselor reveal information to other individuals or agencies of your choice;
- In instances where there is imminent danger of serious harm to yourself or others;
- In cases involving physical and/or sexual abuse, and/or neglect, of children or elderly adults;
- Where otherwise requested by subpoena or mandated by court order or state/federal law.