In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we sat down with Director of Counseling Services, Brette Stephenson, to talk about some misconceptions regarding on-campus counseling services. Just so you know, counseling services are available to all enrolled students, including undergraduate, graduate, non-degree seeking, and international students, whether you’re on campus or remote. Let’s dive into some myth-busting:
“There is a long waitlist for appointments”
The Reality: Students can typically get an intake appointment within a week or two.
Several years ago, this was the case, but their team has grown , and Counseling Services is now in a place where intake appointments can be scheduled within a week or two. You can make appointments with specific clinicians and you can book short-term (4-6 sessions) or longer-term therapy. Need help now? Boise State also offers walk-in crisis services at the Norco building (1529 Belmont Street, Boise Idaho, 83706).
“Counseling is only for major crises”
The Reality: Counseling can help you deal with the common stress and changes that come with college life.
The college journey (eye roll, I know, but it really is a journey) can introduce lots of new milestones like moving away from home or developing and changing relationships. You’re not alone in this. “There are a lot of just inherent stressors and more challenging situations that come about during that time. Everything from academics to work, to stress, to relationships. It’s a really big and sometimes overwhelming period of time, so it makes a lot of sense that folks need counseling,” Stephenson says.
“Counseling can only be one-on-one”
The Reality: Counseling Services offers various group counseling options.
Group counseling can help you become more comfortable expressing yourself which can be a fulfilling and affirming experience. Groups run during fall and spring semesters and are free to participate. Offerings include LGBTQIA+ Support, Growth and Connection Process, Grief and Loss Support, and Rewire the Brain.
“Information from sessions can be viewed by the university”
The Reality: Therapeutic information is not shared with anyone else on campus.
Stephenson addressed this valid question and assured confidentiality in sessions and records, “Our counseling services are separate from any kind of academic experience that you have here. I actually assure clients that at our first meeting, just because you’re on campus, our records are not connected with your other campus records.”
More Counseling Facts:
- Inability to pay is not a barrier to access. Please contact Counseling Services at (208) 426-1459 to learn more about insurance and payment options.
- Walk and talk therapy is available. Sometimes movement can help work through some stagnant emotions and thoughts.
- Psychological assessments for ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and learning disabilities are available.
Reach Out
Counseling Services | University Health Services
Location: Norco Building, 2nd Floor | 1529 Belmont Street, Boise Idaho, 83706
Phone: (208) 426-1459
National Behavioral Health Crisis Line
Text or call: 988