Client Rights and Responsibilities

Confidentiality

The therapeutic relationship is confidential, which means your counselor will not give out any information about you without your written consent. State law and ethical standards of psychology require that we report information about you in the following circumstances:

1. If there is a clear and imminent danger that you may harm yourself or others.
2. If a record is court ordered by a proper legal authority.
3. If there is suspected or confirmed abuse of children or vulnerable adults.
4. If you are a minor and are not considered emancipated (living away from home and/or supporting yourself).
5. If you describe sexual exploitation by a previous therapist.
6. If you are pregnant and using a felonious drug e.g. cocaine, heroin.

The Personal Counseling staff are professionals with differing areas of expertise, and includes those who work under the direct supervision of senior staff. To provide you with the best service, your counselor may discuss your situation with psychologists who are directly involved in providing clinical services and attend a weekly case conference. All information shared among these professionals is considered confidential. You may see all records about yourself if you wish. However, it is seldom beneficial during the counseling process.

Counseling Process

It is your right to know the goals and treatment plan for therapy as well as your counselor's views on your presenting issues. This includes the expected length of treatment. In the first few sessions your counselor will work with you to clarify goals and establish a treatment plan for your work together. Periodically you will review your progress as well as your satisfaction with your work together. The determination to make a change requires a commitment from you. Often change is a slow and painful process. It's tempting to quit when things get intense, but we encourage you to stick with it through these difficult times.

Your Counselor

It is your right to know the educational and experiential background of your counselor. The personal counseling staff is composed of individuals who are licensed psychologists or are license-eligible in the state of Minnesota. We also have qualified interns and practicum students completing doctoral degrees in counseling or clinical psychology. All interns and practicum students receive individual supervision on a weekly basis from a licensed psychologist or a doctoral level intern.

Grievance

If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the service you are receiving, please discuss this with you counselor. If you are uncomfortable speaking directly to your counselor, you may make an appointment with Jeri Rockett, Ph.D., Director of Personal Counseling & Testing to discuss your concerns.

Crisis Referral Information

Crisis situations do occur from time to time. You may contact your counselor in Personal Counseling, or your hall advisor if you live in a residence hall, or UST Safety and Security at (651) 962-5110. If no one is available, we encourage you to contact one of the following crisis centers:

Emergency Dispatch
911

Crisis Connection (24 hour)
(612) 379-6363

Suicide Prevention
(612) 347-2222

Rape and Sexual Assault Center (24 hour)
(612) 825-4357

Alternative Treatments

Though individual counseling is often effective, some people respond better to other kinds of help. Your counselor may refer you to some of these resources and it is your right to ask for specific referrals. Alternatives to individual counseling include: group counseling, family counseling, support groups for people with specific problems, twelve step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Emotions Anonymous, peer counseling, community education courses such as assertiveness training and stress management, and centers and clinics that specialize in issues such as eating disorders, sexual assault, etc.

Fees

Counseling services are provided free of charge. Psychological testing may be recommended in some cases. The cost of testing is based on processing costs. Current fees may be found on the testing Web site.

Sessions

Counseling sessions are 50 minutes in length. If for any reason you are late, the session will have to end at the regular time. If you must cancel an appointment, please do so as soon as possible so that your time may be available for others. Notify the receptionist at 651-962-6780, and he/she will help you reschedule. All appointments are made by the receptionist at the front desk.

Your Responsibilities

Homework

Your counselor may ask you to do some special reading, thinking or some other task outside of sessions to help you attain your goals more quickly. We know that time is precious to students, but we believe that time spent in personal growth is equally important.

Our Commitment

We are committed to providing ethical, respectful and competent psychological services regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or disability. You can expect that we will provide high quality professional service.

If you have any questions or concerns about these rights and responsibilities, please discuss them with your counselor. Thank you.