Frequently Asked Questions
Counseling Center

How do I know if I should talk to a therapist?
Isn’t therapy only for people who have serious emotional problems?
What could I expect if I decide to try therapy?
How do I make an appointment?
What are consultation times? What happens then?
Will people find out that I went to see a counselor?
How is it decided whether a person receives individual or group therapy?
What exactly is group psychotherapy?
What is the cost?
Who are the Therapists?
What if I don't have the emotional energy for this?
How can a therapist understand me unless they've had similar experiences or are of the same background?
Do you provide phone counseling or e-mail therapy?
Do you prescribe medication?


How do I know if I should talk to a therapist?

At times, everyone feels stressed out, depressed, anxious, angry or confused.   Often talking to a good friend or relative can help.  However, there are times when feelings are not easily resolvable, when our usual ways of handling problems isn’t working as well, and we end up feeling overwhelmed.  Consider seeking therapy if:

While therapy does help people who have severe problems, it is not just for people with serious emotional difficulties. Sometimes, people are fearful that seeking counseling means they’re “crazy” or “weak”.  To the contrary, it takes courage and strength to share your feelings and experiences.  Having difficulty finding a solution to your problems does not mean you are “crazy”—it means you are human.  The reality is that we all have difficult times.  Attending school can contribute to a rewarding—yet often busy and complicated life.    To seek counseling often represents a healthy step toward resolving your difficulties; it is a self-caring, mature and responsible decision. 

What could I expect if I decide to try therapy?

Individual counseling sessions generally last 45 - 50 minutes and are usually held once a week, but can be held more or less often when appropriate.  Small group therapy sessions are held once a week and generally last 75 minutes. 

When you come for therapy, you can expect to be able to share your thoughts and feelings in confidence with a professional who will listen attentively and who will not judge you. Although therapists may differ somewhat in their approaches, there are certain similarities which characterize the counseling relationship.  In this relationship, the therapist is a facilitator in helping you to understand your feelings and behaviors, relationships with others, and your particular situation, choices, and decisions.   In addition to easing the problem at hand, therapy provides new skills and ways of looking at situations.  This gives you skills that you can apply if difficult issues arise after therapy has ended.

How do I make an appointment?

If you are interested in setting up an initial appointment for either campus, call 312-341-3548.

What are consultation times? What happens then?

If you have a few questions, are concerned about a friend, or are unsure whether you want to start individual therapy, stop by during one of our consultation times offered Monday through Thursday in Chicago from 3:30–4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays in Schaumburg from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. During this time you may meet briefly with a counselor to assess your needs and potentially set up a regular appointment for a later date.

Will people find out that I went to see a counselor?

Everything you tell the counselor is strictly private and confidential.  The counselor will not provide anyone with information about you, including that you are being seen in counseling, unless you give written permission.  Information about being seen at the Counseling Center will not go into your academic record and will not be given to the your parent, spouse, or home government.  The only exceptions to the confidentiality law involve those rare times when it appears that your life or another person’s life is in danger, when a child or senior is in danger of being harmed, or when information is subpoenaed by a court of law.

How is it decided whether a person receives individual or group therapy? What exactly is group psychotherapy?

You and your therapist would make a determination together on what type of therapy would best meet your needs. In group therapy, approximately 6 students meet face-to-face with one or two group therapists.  Groups are especially well suited to people who are struggling with similar concerns, where they can learn from and with each other, and for those struggling with relationship issues like self-esteem, trust, and intimacy. 

What is the cost?

There is no charge for counseling services.

Who are the Therapists?

The staff is comprised of licensed clinical psychologists, postdoctoral fellows, and advanced doctoral psychology interns.  You can read our staff biographies on the Meet Our Staff page.

What if I don't have the emotional energy to do this?
Who has time for this anyway?

Some people worry that dealing with their concerns may stir up emotions that will interfere with their functioning as a student. It is important to weigh this against the effects of not dealing with your issues. While we would never suggest that therapy is easy, we would say that it needn't be depleting. It is hard work, but it also provides an opportunity for deep satisfaction. No one's therapeutic experience is exactly like another's and so it isn't possible to predict how any one individual will feel, but therapy very often lightens one's load.

Arranging to come in for therapy can sometimes feel like additional stress. Often if one is stuggling with the practical issues in arranging therapy--having the emotional strength, creating the time to come in, and so on--it may be that one is also struggling with these very same issues in other areas of one's life. Addressing this in therapy can be a proactive step toward change.

If you feel uncertain about whether counseling is for you, feel free to make an appointment for an introductory meeting to discuss your situation and your reservations. There is no obligation to continue. Although seeking counseling may be a new and different experience, most students who utilize the Counseling Center services find them helpful.

How can a therapist understand me unless they've had similar experiences or are of the same background?

We are aware of the special concerns of students with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, and we are committed to being sensitive to and respectful of these issues.

Do you provide phone counseling or e-mail therapy?

At this time, we do not provide counseling over the phone or via e-mail.

Do you prescribe medication?

Psychologists do not prescribe medication in the state of Illinois, but psychiatrists do. We do not have any psychiatrists on staff at RU, but we can refer you to psychiatrists in the area.

Counseling Center