Information Regarding Counseling Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Counseling services remain available to Hamline students during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to the spread and transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, counseling sessions are currently being conducted online. Students needing a private space on campus from which to participate in online counseling sessions should speak to the C&HS administrative assistant for room reservations.
More information about Hamline Counseling Services can be found by clicking the links below.
Eligibility for Services
Confidentiality
Cost
Appointment duration
Appointment limit
Summer services
Staff qualifications
How it works
Does it help?
Maximizing benefits
Off-campus referrals
Waiting list
Group Counseling
Training Opportunities
Who is eligible to receive counseling services at C&HS?
Hamline students who are currently registered for classes and residing within the state of Minnesota are eligible for virtual or in-person appointments through Counseling & Health Services. Due to state-specific licensing requirements, we are legally restricted from providing services if you are located elsewhere. However, we can support you with short-term problem-solving and with finding qualified mental health providers in your area.
Is counseling confidential?
All counseling information (including the fact that a
student has been seen by a psychologist) is considered private information under
the Minnesota State Privacy Act and laws covering privileged communication
between a client and a therapist. Neither parents nor university employees have
access to information about your participation in counseling, unless you
specifically request your psychologist to share information. To insure your privacy in virtual counseling, Counseling Services only utilizes secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platforms.
Is there a cost to see a psychologist at C&HS?
Counseling services are free to Hamline University
undergraduate students. (Costs are
covered in tuition fees.) Graduate
students may pay a per-semester fee for access to counseling services.
How long is a counseling appointment?
Counseling sessions are either 30 or 60 minutes.
How many counseling appointments am I allowed to have?
Students are eligible for up to 5 hours of individual counseling per semester, which may be received in 30-minute or 60-minute increments. Those seeking longer-term or more intensive counseling can obtain referrals to providers in the local community.
Is counseling available during the summer?
Counseling Services is open for appointments from the beginning of the Fall Semester through the end of May Term. During the summer, we will be available for consultation and referral only.
What are the qualifications of the counseling staff at C&HS?
Counseling at Hamline is provided by individuals who have
completed a doctorate in counseling or
clinical psychology from a graduate program accredited by the American
Psychological Association. Each member
of the permanent counseling staff is a Minnesota state-licensed
psychologist. All counseling services at
C&HS are offered under the oversight of the Director of Counseling, Hussein
Rajput, PhD, LP.
How does counseling work?
Counseling is a collaborative process whereby your psychologist will work with you to identify your main concerns, determine a plan of action, and work with you to make measurable progress towards your goals.
Does counseling really help?
Yes. Research studies
with large national samples have shown that most people who use counseling find
it helpful. The vast majority of
students surveyed at Hamline also report that their problems were improved or
resolved as a result of participation in counseling, and that they would
recommend counseling to a friend. (Not
surprisingly, the amount that you will benefit depends on how much effort you
are willing to put into the process.)
What can I do to get the most out of counseling?
- Attend all your scheduled online or in-person appointments. (If you are not able to attend a given
appointment, please provide C&HS as much advanced notice as possible.)
- Prepare for each counseling session with some ideas of what you want to focus on. Be honest about your feelings, thoughts, and
experiences.
- Work with
your counselor to develop your counseling goals, discuss your progress towards
these goals, and modify them as needed.
- Complete
any “homework” planned by you and your counselor. Let your
counselor know if you feel you are not being helped, so that they can help
you figure out alternative strategies for addressing your concerns if necessary.
Can C&HS provide off-campus referrals for counseling services?
Yes. We maintain a
detailed list of community mental health providers in the Twin Cities area, and can also assist you with finding qualified providers in other areas as well.
I’ve heard about a wait list. What does that mean?
During times of peak demand for services, students sometimes
have to wait to access on-going counseling appointments. The average time spent on the waiting list is
1-2 weeks. However, wait times may
extend longer if you are seeking to meet with only one particular member of the
staff. While a student is on the wait
list, same-day crisis counseling appointments are still available on weekdays. Students who prefer to access
community resources can also schedule a one-time consultation/referral appointment.
Group Counseling
In addition to individual counseling services, C&HS
offers a variety of counseling groups during the fall and spring semesters.
For more information about current group offerings, click here.
Training Opportunities
The C&HS post-doctoral fellowship has been suspended at the present time. Undergraduate students interested in gaining experience related to
health and well-being may be interested in the Hamline Peer Wellness Education Program.