Division of Student Affairs > Support Services > Counseling > Counseling FAQs

Counseling FAQs

Individual Counseling

The exact number of sessions is decided by the counselor and the student in the spirit of UCS’ brief therapy framework.  The average number of sessions at UCS (as well as other college counseling centers is 5. 

Individual counseling sessions generally do not exceed 8 or 10 sessions per episode of care.  There is no limit on group counseling which is often the treatment modality of choice for the most common issues confronting college students (e.g., anxiety/stress, depression, relationship concerns, etc.).

Recognizing that some students may want or need longer term support, especially students who have already had a significant amount of counseling, our counselors will work with you to locate an off-campus referral if ongoing care would be helpful or necessary for your ongoing academic and personal success. 

 

Eligibility

Students must be enrolled in a degree program at least half time (and currently taking classes) to be eligible for counseling services.  For undergraduates, that’s 2 classes per quarter, for graduate students, that’s at least one class per quarter).  Students-at-large, non-degree seeking students and individuals enrolled in certificate programs may have an initial consultation with recommendations and referrals for off-campus services. 

 

Fees

Students interested in individual, couple’s or group counseling are charged $5 per session.  Please note that these fees may be waived in case of financial need.  Though minimal, we would not want these fees to be an obstacle to getting professional help or support.

Don't let the cost of counseling discourage you from seeking services you might need. The counseling we provide to DePaul students is affordable and there are professionals in the area who will provide services to students at a sliding scale. If you have concerns about cost, you can discuss them with your counselor or give us a call at 773-325-7779 or 312-362-6923.
UCS employs a consulting psychiatrist who conducts psychiatric evaluations, medication consultations and medication management for students who are engaged in concurrent counseling at UCS. Psychiatric services are limited to students who meet UCS' criteria for brief therapy. If you need a referral for medication-only or longer term medication management, a UCS counselor can help you find a referral in the community.

We provide individual, group, and couple’s counseling to DePaul students enrolled in a degree program at last half-time, including undergraduate, graduate and law students.

Yes. We will provide couples counseling as long as one of you is a DePaul student. It does not matter if the student is you or your significant other. If you are interested in couple's counseling, call us to set up an initial appointment.
We do not see DePaul alumni, but can refer them to services in the area. If you are an alumnae/alumnus who would like a referral, please give us a call.
Students wanting to learn more about counseling are invited to call our main number to schedule this brief telephone assessment. Our front desk will assist you in scheduling an appointment within 1-3 days with a counselor who will help you determine the next best step. The initial consultation appointment will typically be conducted by telephone and will last about 10 or 15 minutes at most. There is no fee for an initial consultation appointment.

Of course, if you feel you are in crisis and that your emergency cannot wait for a consultation later that day, we will connect you with the counselor on call during that time.

At this time, we do not provide counseling over the phone. We do provide in-person counseling to DePaul students.
Yes. If you need counseling, you may call us for a referral, or refer to some of the helpful resources listed on this site.
Yes. Find out more here.

Consistent with our Catholic and Vincentian mission and values, University Counseling Services (UCS) respects the dignity and confidentiality of all students from all backgrounds. Although our staff do not directly ask about legal or immigration status, students are more than welcome to raise it themselves. We recognize the life of undocumented and DACA students may be filled with unique stressors. These may include feelings of uncertainty and fears about the future, loneliness and isolation, depression, anxiety, relationship stress and concern about family members.  These pressures may be compounded by one’s legal status and societal opinions about immigration.  UCS is staffed by counselors ready to support the emotional and mental wellness of our diverse student body.

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