FAQs

You may have questions about Student-Athlete Wellness services, what counseling is like, confidentiality, and more. Please see below for answers to common questions, and feel free to reach out to sedowd@mtu.edu if you have a question that is not answered below. 

1. Is there a cost for services?
   • All services provided through the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being and Student-Athlete Wellness are free of cost and do not bill your insurance.  A cost would only be incurred for additional services provided outside of the university setting (i.e. prescriptions, health screenings, follow-up with a medical professional, off-campus referrals). 
2. Where are appointments held?
   • Appointments for individual therapy are held in room 220 in the SDC, unless otherwise specified. Virtual appointments continue to be available upon request to student-athletes located in Michigan. 
3. What kind of concerns do students seek services to address?
   • Common Reasons Student-Athletes Seek Counseling:
       • Adjustment to college/sport
       • Stress
       • Anxiety
       • Depression
       • Identity Development
       • Substance Misuse or Addiction
       • Self-Esteem
       • Eating Disorders & Body Image
       • Grief & Loss
       • Trauma
       • Sexuality
       • Academic Concerns
       • Unhealthy Relationships
       • Performance Concerns
       • Injury Recovery
4. How can I make an appointment?
   • Email Sarah Dowd at sedowd@mtu, email counseling@mtu.edu, or call 906-487-2538. Be sure to identify yourself as a student-athlete if connecting with the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being. 
5. What can I expect during my first appointment?
   • During your first appointment, your counselor will explain the counseling process, get to know you, and ask questions about the concerns that prompted you to set up an appointment. This initial appointment also provides an opportunity for athletes to ask any questions they may have about the counseling process and to get to know the counselor as well. 
6. Are counseling services confidential?
   • Information shared in counseling is confidential. Confidentiality means that your contact with this office does not go on your academic record and clinical materials will not be disclosed to any other office or individual unless you have signed a written release for this to occur.  Professional Counselors are exempt from Title IX and they do not report crimes that include sexual violence (including rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment) to university officials. Some exceptions to confidentiality do exist and include potential harm to yourself or others, possible child or elder abuse, or a court order.
7. Will my coaches or parents know if I'm receiving services?
   • No. Your contact with this office does not go on your academic record and clinical materials will not be disclosed to any other office or individual unless you have signed a written release for this to occur. Some exceptions to confidentiality do exist and include potential harm to yourself or others, possible child or elder abuse, or a court order.
8. What should I do in a crisis/emergency? 
   • If you have concerns about the physical well-being of a student contact Public Safety who will conduct a health and well-being check. This check is conducted to ensure that the student is safe and provided the resources necessary to make sure that safety is continued. If it is an emergency involving physical harm or a threat to life, call Public Safety or dial 911. In cases of psychological emergencies, contact the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being during business hours or after hours call TELUS Health Student Support (1-877-376-7896) to be immediately connected with a counselor.
9. How can I help someone get an appointment?
   • If you're concerned about a friend, you are always able to submit a Report a Concern form to the Dean of Students' office. Offering to help a friend get in contact with a counselor, such as drafting an email for an appointment or dialing a crisis service, are also ways to help in-the-moment. 
10. Can I receive medication through this department?
    • The Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being has an in-house Nurse Practitioner that works to prescribe medication to students. In order to get set up for medication management on-campus, student-athletes must be established with an on-campus clinician. Please email sedowd@mtu.edu or counseling@mtu.edu to set up an appointment. 
11. Can I still use services through the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being (CSMHW)?
    • Yes. The CSMHW provides many services that you can utilize in addition to any services you receive through your individual provider. Groups, workshops, educational presentations, and campus wellness events are open to all students who may wish to utilize these services. Visit the website for more information.