Oglethorpe University Counseling Center
We recognize how stressful the end of the semester can be and are here to support you through the last few weeks of classes and final exams. We are expanding our availability by offering end of the semester brief consultations.
End of semester brief consultation is a good option for students who:
- Are experiencing symptoms or anxiety and/or depression
- Want to enhance stress management and self-care during the last few weeks of classes and final exams
- Are concerned about the stress and/or depression related to being home or away from school for the break
- Need referrals and/or options for ongoing counseling during the break
The consultations are virtual (with Mr. Byron Kellam) or in-person (with all other counselors). The consultations are 45 minutes long and confidential and can be scheduled in advance.
Walk-in Hours
The center will continue with walk-in coverage Monday and Friday from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday – Thursday from 12 – 3:30 p.m. for informal meetings with a counselor and for mental health emergencies through December 8, 2023. For the week of December 11, hours will be posted on our door as there will be a few closures that week.
Introducing Petrel After-Hours Support Services (PASS)
The Counseling Center has expanded our services to offer additional after-hours support through the Petrel After-Hours Support Services (PASS). PASS is a service of the Counseling Center in addition to the services provided during our regular business hours M-F 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Through PASS, students can receive after-hours mental health crisis support and talk to a counselor by calling the main counseling center number at 404-364-8456. Faculty and staff can also call the main counseling center number at 404-364-8456 after hours if concerned about a student.
The Oglethorpe Counseling Center will continue to provide walk-in, informal, and confidential consultations this semester during our new walk-in hours. The brief consultations are not formal psychotherapy and will last up to 30 minutes. During the consultation, the counselor will listen and provide you with feedback, support, and recommendations for resources.
A brief consultation is a good option for students who:
- Have a concern about a friend and want feedback on what to do next (if an emergency call 911)
- Are not interested in ongoing counseling but want support and a counselor’s perspective
- Are unsure about counseling and if it is a good fit for them
- Have a specific problem (i.e., academic concerns) and would like to talk with a counselor
Note: We are not able to provide supportive documentation for Accessibility Services or other departments during the brief consultation.
To schedule your initial assessment, select from the open time slots according to your availability. Provide your accurate OU email address when you sign up for an initial assessment to receive important information from our office. Please plan for your virtual appointment to take 90 minutes. The first 30 minutes will involve completing initial paperwork online, followed by meeting with the counselor.
We understand unanticipated situations can arise. If you are unable to attend your initial assessment due to an illness or emergency, please notify us as far in advance as possible, at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. By responsibly rescheduling or canceling your appointment, you give the opportunity for that time to be offered to a fellow student who would benefit from an earlier appointment.
Our goal is to meet the high demand for services and allow for access of services by all students. As such, if you have two cancellations or no-shows for an intake appointment, you will be asked to consult with the Director or designee, before scheduling subsequent appointments. Please keep in mind counseling appointments should be viewed as important as any other medical appointments. Ongoing services may be terminated if you have repeated cancellations or no shows.
Limits of Confidentiality:
There are some situations in which Counseling Center staff are legally obligated to take action to protect others from harm. If we have reason to believe that a child, elderly person, or a disabled adult is being abused, we are required by law to report this. If there is a serious threat of harm to you or another person, we are required by law to take protective actions.
We encourage students to contact us to discuss counseling needs as soon as possible, especially freshmen who have been receiving services in high school.
Supporting Student Growth and Life Satisfaction
What is counseling?
The generic term “counseling” often refers to individual therapy, when a client meets with a trained professional to get help with problems. Sometimes, that is what counseling is about.
Counseling is not just about problems. The Counseling Center provides a confidential space for you to discuss whatever is on your mind. It is a place where you can speak to a caring adult with special training and experience in assisting others and be assured the conversations will be private. Your counselor will not speak to other faculty, staff, or students about your participation in counseling. If you are at least 18 years old, your counselor will not speak to your parents without your permission.
Eligibility
All students enrolled at Oglethorpe and currently residing in Georgia may use Counseling Center services.
Consultation
Consultation is available for faculty, staff, and parents who are concerned about a currently enrolled Oglethorpe student.
Cost
All Counseling Center services are free.
Common concerns that students bring to counseling
- Relationship issues
- Personal growth
- Identity exploration
- Body image issues
- Low self-confidence
- Depression and anxiety
- Controlling the use of alcohol and other drugs
- Adjustment to college
- Academic difficulties and career indecision
- Grief
- Assault/rape or other trauma
Celebrating Diversity
Oglethorpe University Counseling Center is dedicated to providing culturally affirming services to the OU community, serving all students in a manner that supports their inherent dignity, worth, and value. We strive to create an atmosphere of openness and safety, where diverse attitudes, beliefs and values can be explored. We work to educate ourselves on issues related to power, privilege, institutionalized oppression and discrimination. We recognize that issues related to diversity influence students’ mental health and personal growth and we strive to help students grow and flourish in an inclusive environment where diversity is embraced and celebrated. As professional mental health therapists, we take active steps to be culturally self-aware and to challenge our own biases. We embrace this learning as an ongoing, ever-evolving process and welcome feedback individually and to the Counseling Center as a whole when we are not living up to these ideals.
Black Lives Matter!
The Counseling Center supports undocumented students!
The Counseling Center supports LGBTQ students!
The Counseling Center supports undocumented students!
The Counseling Center supports LGBTQ students!
In case of emergency, call 911.
On-campus, contact Campus Safety at 404-504-1998 when it’s safe to do so.
- Mental Health Crisis Hotlines
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741
- Georgia Crisis & Access Line: 1-800-715-4225
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ students: 1-866-488-7386