Policy Regarding Informed Consent And Confidentiality
for students who use the Counseling Center's services

The Counseling Center at Allegheny College is committed to helping all students gain the maximum benefit from their educational experiences and prepare for the future. We hope that the following information regarding the Center, confidentiality and your rights will help you to make an informed decision about whether or not you would like to receive counseling through our counseling center.

Staff
Our staff includes licensed professional counselors and a counseling psychology doctoral candidate, along with our secretary/receptionist. During certain semesters, we may have counseling intern(s) on staff. Additionally, we have contracted the consulting services of a board certified psychiatrist and local licensed psychologist.

Services
Limited counseling services are free to Allegheny Students. We limit the number of sessions per student to around six to eight visits. Frequently, students need only one session to resolve a pressing issue. Students who require longer-term care are given several off-campus resources from which to choose and a counselor can assist yo in gaining access to these off-campus services. Emergency after hours and weekend crisis intervention is available by contacting a Residence Life staff member at (814) 332-3357.

Cancellations and Missed Appointments
If you are unable to come for a scheduled appointment, please call (814) 332-4368 to cancel. If you forget your appointment, please call this number as soon as possible to reschedule.

Your Rights
You have the right to:

1. An explanation of the procedures or counseling style your counselor uses and to discuss your progress with your counselor.
2. Request another counselor or discontinue services at any time. While we hope that you could discuss your concerns with your counselor if things aren't working out, this is not required and you can request a change or make the decision to end services.
3. Information on how to file grievances with the state licensing board and/or national professional organizations.

Confidentiality
Your confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Board of Certified Counselors codes of ethical standards, the Pennsylvania professional standards, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Confidential records are maintained in the Counseling Center regarding your visits. Your Counseling Center records and counseling conversations will not become part of any other College record.
The Counseling Center professional and clerical staff does not automatically release information regarding your visits nor does the Center confirm or deny that you have made or kept appointments unless you sign a release asking the Center to share such information with some third party such as the Health Center or the Academic Standards Committee.
There are, however, important legally mandated exceptions to confidentiality. These exceptions include the following:

1. notification to relevant others when a clinician judges that a client poses an immediate threat to self or others, as, for example, in the case of suicide or homicide risk;
2. the clinician must report any incidence of abuse, neglect or maltreatment in order to protect children or endangered adults;
3. disclosure made necessary by legal proceedings as in the case of a court order.

Three additional limits specific to Allegheny College policy are: (1) the Counseling Center may inform the Dean of Students or designee of the admittance and release dates for students hospitalized for mental health related reasons; (2) in some instances verification of attendance at a mandatory assessment performed at the Counseling Center may be made to the referring person and upon the student's consent, disclosure of Counseling Center recommendations related to that assessment may be made to the referring person (Dean of Students or designee, Residence Life professional staff, College judicial officers or the professional staff of the Health Center); (3) the Center may confer with the Dean of Students or designee when a student meets the criteria for Leave of Absence due to health reasons outlined in the student handbook, The Compass, on page 125.
The professional counselors at the Counseling Center do consult with one another as well as with the Center's consulting psychiatrist and psychologist. Upon request, your counselor will share with you the names of these consultants. The Center's secretarial and clerical support staff will be aware of your visits and records but they are also committed to maintaining your confidentiality.
Should you enter treatment at the Center, we may also ask you to authorize the release of information to your parents, guardians, or others if, in the judgement of the counselor, such information will assist in the counseling process.

Counseling Process
The counseling process is aimed at assisting you in psychological problems, developmental issues and adjustment/personal growth issues in order to enhance you academic experience. However, it is not uncommon for a student in counseling to experience change and/or uncertainty while receiveing counseling. It is important that you speak with your counselor about any changes in your feelings, thoughts or behaviors that you believe are occurring related to the counseling process.
Communication between client and counselor occurs in personal sessions. For confidentiality reasons and because e-mail is not immediate, we discourage the use of e-mail for appointment scheduling, counseling issues and urgent concerns. Instead, and if possible, you can call (814) 332-4368 or drop by the Center.