Frequently Asked Questions
What is counseling?
The Berea College Counseling and Disability Services attempts to meet the personal and developmental needs of individual students. Professional counselors assist students with difficulties in an unbiased and objective way.
Will there be confidentiality?
All professional counseling services are completely confidential. NO ONE, including parents, relatives, friends, or college staff has access to any information about a student without their consent. The only exceptions are suspected child abuse, threats to harm self or others, emergency hospitalization, or civil law suits when one’s mental state is an issue in the case.
What happens when you talk to a counselor?
The focus is on a student’s feelings, perceptions, and thoughts. The counselor encourages the student to talk about their feelings and experiences. Rather than providing the student with a ready-made answer, a counselor will help them explore their own needs and solutions.
Why should someone go to counseling?
College brings changes, decisions, and often a great deal of stress into a student’s life. Sometimes students find pressures unmanageable or unbearable. During these times almost everyone needs help in making decisions, handling stress, and responding to a variety of needs and experiences including, but not limited too:
- Family & home problems
- Romantic relationships
- Conflict resolution
- Making decisions
- Self-esteem
- Depression & loneliness
- Sexual concerns
- Alcohol & drug problems
- Academic/exam problems
- Sexual preference issues
- Transitional issues
- Unplanned pregnancy
- Crisis intervention
- Stress management
- Eating disorders
- Rape/incest survivor
Note: There is no fee for counseling services for students.
Where can I go for counseling?
Professional counseling may be scheduled through the Berea College Health Service 985-3212. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns about the counseling process.
What will the initial appointment entail?
The initial appointment will consist of an interview with one of our counselors. During the interview the counselor will be asking questions regarding the student’s needs and concerns. At the end of the interview, the counselor will make suggestions about service(s) most appropriate for assisting the student.
What services are offered?
- Individual
- Group counseling
- Couple counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Consultation with a psychiatrist or others as needed
- Outreach presentations
- Referrals for psychological assessment
Are there any other programs available?
- AL-ANON is for the loved one of Alcoholics Anonymous members and those who need A.A. The group meets regularly to exchange experiences on the problems of alcoholism. The group increases understanding of the A. A. recovery program. The group meets Thursday nights, 8:00pm, Berea Baptist Church Basement. Call 986-9391.
- Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problems with alcoholism. The group meets Tuesday nights, 7:00pm, Berea Hospital Board Room and Thursday nights, 8:00pm, Berea Baptist Church basement.
- Narcotics Anonymous meets on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University Friday nights at 7:30pm in the campus Methodist Center at Dry Dock (118 Big Hill Ave., Richmond, KY) on Wednesday nights at 8:00pm.
For more listings of N.A. or AA meetings call Dry Dock at 859-624-3808
