Personal Counseling

About Personal Counseling Services

Personal Counseling is designed to serve currently enrolled Merced College (MC) students who are experiencing stress or other emotional difficulties. Frequently, these difficulties affect a student’s academic performance or their ability to function effectively in social, academic, or work settings. To assist students in overcoming these challenges, we offer therapy to MC students that are currently enrolled in credit courses.

Personal Counseling is provided to assist with such problems as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, identity struggles, relationship difficulties,  or test anxiety.

Therapy is typically short-term during the fall, spring and (limited summer) semesters. Often students come in for a single “Walk-In” session, but on-going therapy that may last for up to six sessions is also available. MC Personal Counseling also offers referrals to on-going therapy in the community in cases where the student or therapist feels that the issues are more appropriate for longer term therapy.

If you are currently receiving services from another provider, additional individual therapy will not be provided by MC Personal Counseling.

Walk-In Services

If you feel you need to speak with a therapist before the next available appointment can be scheduled, there may be a “Walk-In” appointment available (call for “Walk-In” availability). Students are seen by a therapist on a first-come, first-served basis. Please do not use “Walk-In” services if you are receiving treatment elsewhere-please contact your own provider if you need immediate care.

Confidentiality

Information shared with your therapist is kept confidential, including the fact that you received therapy. There are, however, important exceptions to therapist/client confidentiality:

• When the client is a danger to themselves or others, the therapist is legally obligated to ensure the safety of the client and the safety of others.
• The therapist has a legal obligation to report any suspected child, dependent person, or elder abuse.
• When the client consents to release of information in a written waiver, after the client reads and signs the waiver.
• Upon the receipt of a court order to release information.

How do I Access Services?

Appointments may be made in person or by phone.