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Consultations typically involve talking with a therapist about a particular issue, such as worries you may have about a friend or a question about your own mental health. Students interested in services at the Counseling Center will have a consultation-type session (called a screening) as their first encounter with a therapist. 

We also offer consultation services for staff, faculty, advisors, or administrators. Consultation can address such issues as campus and community services, referring a student to services, and intervening with a student in distress.

The Counseling Center offers free, confidential psychotherapy to students enrolled at the Pittsburgh campus. When mental health concerns and questions arise, having a conversation with a non-judgmental, culturally-sensitive therapist is a good place to start. The sessions provide students the opportunity to speak freely and discuss private, personal issues.

Students seek therapy for a variety of reasons ranging from self-exploration to having a personal difficulty or being in distress. 

If a student is interested in specialized care or needs more intensive support or frequent visits, Counseling Center staff can help identify resources in the community.

Groups at the Counseling Center involve a small number of students meeting together, under the guidance of a therapist, to develop greater capacities to support oneself and each other. Groups can provide powerful opportunities for growth, understanding, and connection. They offer the chance to come together with others to share concerns, explore personal issues, deepen self-understanding, try out new behaviors and new ways of relating, and learn new skills.

Call (412-392-3977) or email us (counseling@pointpark.edu) to inquire about current group offerings.

In cases when there is a desire or need for longer-term care, specialized care, or a higher level of care, UCC staff will help students consider resource options in the community that are accessible and affordable. These might include long-term psychotherapy, psychiatric care, psychological evaluations, or specialized care for things like eating disorders and substance abuse problems.

Students who already know they want to connect with services in the community may call the UCC for assistance or to discuss options. You will likely have to use your health insurance to pay for services. Typically, your health insurance will cover a portion of the cost per session. 

You may also find out about local resources by checking out our resources  page, going to APA’s Find a Psychologist, or checking with your health insurance website.

The Counseling Center partners with other support services in Student Affairs to offer trainings, presentations, and discussion groups on a variety of topics related to mental health, well-being and student support.

Please call (412-392-3977) or email (counseling@pointpark.edu) to inquire about university community training opportunities.

What do services through the University Counseling Center cost?

All counseling center services are provided at no cost.

Attendance Policies

Inconsistent attendance at scheduled appointments interferes with the effectiveness of counseling, and also limits Counseling Services’ ability to help the greatest number of students. We have developed the following policies in an effort to ensure success in therapy:

  • No-Shows: Failure to attend an appointment without first canceling or rescheduling constitutes a no-show. If you no-show for an appointment, you must follow-up with The Health and Wellness Center know within 48 hours of your intention to keep your next regularly scheduled appointment; otherwise, we will open that time to other students. If you no-show for your appointment two times, you may lose your current counseling spot and you will be referred to the Director of Student Health and Wellness to discuss treatment options.
  • Late Arrivals: For 50 minute appointments, the student will be seen if they are less than 15 minutes late to check in at the front desk. For 30 minute appointments, the student will be seen if they are less than five minutes late to check in at the front desk. Any student arriving within the late time frames listed above will be required to reschedule their appointment at the front desk.
  • Cancellations: We understand that there are times when you must miss an appointment due to emergencies or obligations for school, work or family. If it is necessary to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we require that you do so at least 2 hours before your appointment time. Appointments are in high demand, and your early cancellation will give another person the possibility to have access to that time slot.
  • Frequent rescheduling and canceling for individual therapy appointments will result in being referred to the Director of Student Health and Wellness to discuss treatment options. 

Are services through the University Counseling Center confidential?

All mental health services are confidential. Protecting the privacy of students receiving mental health services is of utmost importance to us. In accordance with law, we do not release any information about a student to anyone outside of the counseling center without the explicit written permission from the student. If you want us to communicate with family members, faculty/staff, or other providers you can discuss this with a clinician and complete a Release of Information (ROI) Form. 

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania any individual over the age of 16 has the right to keep treatment private from his/her parents. Accordingly, we do not release confidential information to parents or family members unless a written consent has been signed. 

There are some limits to confidentiality. By law we are obligated to disclose personal information without permission in emergency situations where information is needed to protect the safety of someone whose life may be at risk. You can discuss any concerns you have about the limits to confidentiality with your therapist at any time.