Are Services Confidential?

Information shared in counseling is regarded by law as privileged communication, and with rare exceptions it cannot be disclosed to others without your explicit permission. In other words, no one outside of Counseling Services, including faculty, parents, and administrators, has access to your records or what you discuss with your counselor. Nothing appears on your records elsewhere in the university, nor is information you disclose to a counselor disclosed to anyone unless you request and authorize it. In addition, what you talk about with your counselor will not be made a part of any of your record elsewhere in the University unless you request or authorize it.

All of our services are confidential with the rare exception of situations where a person poses an immediate and serious risk to the well-being of himself or herself or to others. Also, Ohio state law requires that therapists report suspected cases of child or elder abuse, or the abuse of a disabled person. There may also be situations in which Counseling Services is required to release records in order to comply with a court order. If you have concerns or questions about confidentiality or any other matter, please bring them up with your counselor. Counseling Services is compliant with federal HIPAA regulations.

What if I just want some information about a certain issue?

LaTanya Webb and Candice Pennella will both have informational pamphlets available for students or staff/faculty to simply pick up from the office. Topics covered by these pamphlets include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, concerns about a friend, suicide, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, stress management, and more. If you want to ask a question about a particular issue, you are welcome to do that too.


What if I might need more than brief treatment?

If the things you are struggling with might be helped by longer-term counseling or some other help, Ms. Webb or Candice Pennella will help you find a place in the community that can provide that service. Deciding what type of treatment will be the best choice for you or someone else is often a decision that requires extensive knowledge of mental health and of the local clinics and doctors. Counseling Services can help you through that process so that you don’t feel like you’re doing it alone.


How much does counseling at OU-C cost?

It doesn’t cost anything! If you are referred somewhere in the community, though, you may have to pay a fee for the services.