Single Session Clinic
A page within Counseling & Testing
The Counseling and Testing Center has a Single Session Clinic which is one counseling session with no commitment or expectation to return.
Our hope is that SSC will get students connected with one of our counselors quickly to help solve a particular problem that is causing distress. The counselor will help you clarify your problem and work with you to develop skills and strategies to create a personalized action plan. If this sounds like a good option you can schedule through the online Patient Portal or call our office at 608-785-8073 and mention you want a Single Session. SSC appointments can be scheduled up to two weeks in advance, depending on availability.
SSC may be a good fit for you if:
You have a good understanding of what your issue is, but you just can’t quite figure out what to do about it.
You are currently facing a difficult problem, dilemma, or conflict and don’t quite know how to resolve it.
You are generally action-oriented and are looking for solutions you can implement now.
Schedule for SSC if:
You have a problem or concern and are interested in a single conversation with a professional who will work with you to create an action plan.
You are NOT currently interested in ongoing counseling services.
You do NOT have a CTC counselor currently.
You have been in counseling at CTC in the past, but are currently only interested in a one-time session with a counselor to figure out a current problem.
NOT Appropriate for Single Session Clinic:
You believe you are in crisis, for example you are having thoughts of suicide or harming someone else. (If this is true, please use Urgent Care.)
You are interested in developing a short-term therapeutic relationship with a counselor. (Please contact CTC to schedule a Triage visit.)
You believe you need ongoing support for a more complex issue (for example, a history of trauma, treatment for an eating disorder, and substance abuse treatment). If this is the case, please contact us to schedule an appointment with our Case Manager for referrals for long-term or specialized, off campus counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Single Session Clinic:
What if I’m in crisis and need to be seen today?
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis (e.g., suicidal thoughts, thoughts or urges to harm another person, or a recent traumatic event), there is no need to schedule an appointment! The Counseling & Testing Center has daily Urgent Care hours for students. A counselor is available for Urgent Care Monday-Friday 12:00-4:00 pm. For urgent after-hours telephone support, please see resources here.
What happens at a Single Session Clinic appointment?
You will review an Informed Consent for Treatment document, electronically complete some forms providing a brief history of your presenting problem, and meet virtually with a counselor for 45-50 minutes. They will offer supportive suggestions and resources. You will work together to develop skills and strategies to help you address your concern. You will leave with a personalized action plan.
Are my visits confidential?
Our counseling services are confidential. If you are 18 or over, the privacy of your mental health records is protected by law. On rare occasions, if there is reason to believe that you are a significant danger to yourself or someone else, a clinician may provide need-to-know information to someone who can help keep you safe. Read more about Confidentiality.
What if I have used the SSC in the past? Can I come back to work on a different issue?
Yes, you can! The SSC counselor will help you solve your problem and may suggest a different appointment type at CTC if they believe you would benefit from ongoing counseling.
I’m not sure what I need or if counseling is right for me. What type of service is best for me?
Feel free to access an informal consultation at Let’s Talk (currently offered virtually). The counselor will help you talk through your concerns and help you determine the best ways to get help. You can also call our office at 608-785-8073 and speak with one of our clinicians about what type of service best meets your needs.
I used to work with a counselor at CTC, but it has been a while. Can I use SSC?
If you have already been seen the current academic year (September - August), and your visit would be for a similar concern, please reach out to your counselor at CTC either by calling CTC at 608-785-8073 or via secure message at myhealth. If you haven't been seen this academic year, SSC might be a really good place to “tune up” your skills and strategies in one session or get some brief advice about a different issue.
