FAQ’s:

What is psychotherapy?  How does psychotherapy work?  What’s the difference between psychotherapy and counseling?

Psychotherapy is an intentional professional relationship between a trained clinician and a person who is struggling with a distressing psychiatric symptom such as depression or anxiety, psychological distress related to a stressful life event, or with a problem of living.  Both psychotherapy and counseling incorporate strategies and techniques focused on problem-solving, behavior change, relationship building and enhancing communication skills to alleviate suffering.  When the term “psychotherapy” originated, it referred to addressing problems that had to do with psychological disorders, while “counseling” referred to addressing problems that had to do with problems of living.  These days, however, the terms are essentially used interchangeably.

How long is a therapy session?

A regular therapy session is 50 minutes.  An intake session is usually longer (an hour and a half to two hours), or it may be split over two 50-minute sessions. Screening appointments are generally very brief (~15 minutes).  Generally, couples’ sessions last about an hour to an hour and a half.  Every effort is made to accommodate a student’s schedule.

How long does therapy take?

There is no hard and fast rule regarding how long it may take to see results in therapy, as clients’ needs vary enormously.  It also depends on how many issues you want to address.  While some people feel better and resolve their concerns after just a few sessions, others might require more extensive help to address their problems.  Generally , it is a good idea to stay in therapy long enough to practice the strategies you have learned for managing your problems, to make sure that the gains you have made in therapy are maintained, and to track your progress through some of the ups and downs of the academic year.  Some clients stay in therapy for just 6-8 sessions, while others remain in therapy much longer.

What is cognitive-behavioral therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that is based on scientific evidence and has been shown effective in treating many psychological conditions, such as depression, anxiety and eating-related problems.  It is generally short-term, ranging from 6-20 sessions, and is focused on teaching a client specific skills that the client can then practice on his or her own.  CBT focuses on how cognitions (i.e., thoughts), emotions and behaviors are connected and how they affect one another.  It allows the therapist to teach a client how to think differently and how to manage his or her emotions.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of cognitive therapy that is based on scientific evidence and uses a combination of acceptance and mindfulness strategies as well as commitment and behavior change strategies to generate psychological flexibility and valued living.  It has been shown to be effective in treating many psychological disorders, including anxiety and depression.  It focuses on teaching a client how to accept his or her thoughts and feelings, how to experience the present moment as opposed to focusing on the past or future, and how to make responsible life choices based on one’s core values and mores.

What can I expect from a screening appointment? 
What can I expect from an intake appointment?

When you first make contact with the SCC for a therapy appointment, within 24-48 hours, you will be scheduled for a brief 10-15 minute screening appointment with the SCC’s intake coordinator or an available clinician.  You also will be asked to fill out a number of online questionnaires through a secure website.  The screening appointment is an opportunity for you to tell us what kind of help you are looking for and when you are available for weekly meetings, so that we can match you with an appropriate therapist.   Shortly after the screening appointment, you will be contacted by your therapist and scheduled for an intake appointment.  Generally, a therapist will contact you 24-48 hours after your screening appointment.  At the intake appointment, the therapist will ask you questions about your presenting concern, as well as about your school performance, your relationships with your family and friends and any previous history of psychological or psychiatric treatment.  In many ways, the questions are similar to what you might be asked at a doctor’s office but with the emphasis on emotional concerns or psychiatric symptoms.  You also will be given a short questionnaire assessing different symptoms.  At this appointment, you and your therapist will begin setting goals that you would like to address in treatment.  You also will discuss how frequently you will meet and get a chance to ask your therapist any questions you might have regarding treatment options or referrals for medication.

In rare instances, the SCC has a wait list.  Should a wait list exist, you will be informed of the wait list at the screening appointment and given the opportunity to receive outside referrals or to be placed on the wait list for the next available therapist.

What does confidentiality mean?

Under most normal circumstances, no one outside of the Student Counseling Center (including a spouse, parent or a professor) is given any information about your treatment without your expressed written consent.  In fact, even the fact that you have visited the SCC cannot be disclosed.  There are some circumstances when therapists are legally and ethically required to breach confidentiality without your permission.  These circumstances are discussed with all clients during the initial treatment meeting.

Can my professors find out if I’m in therapy?

The short answer is: no.  Under most circumstances, your professors cannot find out if you are in therapy.  Client records are kept separate from any academic records, and no faculty member has access to those records without a client’s permission.  There are some exceptional legal/ethical circumstances when a therapist might be required to breach your confidentiality without your consent.  Your therapist can answer your questions about confidentiality more extensively at your first meeting.

What if I think about suicide or hurting someone?

There are occasions when students contemplate killing themselves or hurting someone else and it is important to address those thoughts as soon as possible.  Our primary concern at the SCC is your safety, and we will work with you to arrange for your safety and for the safety of a person or persons that you might be thinking of hurting.  Generally, suicidal feelings are caused by an underlying treatable mental health condition, and we can help you to begin to feel better and to seek out alternative solutions.  If you believe that you might hurt yourself or someone else imminently, please call 911 or contact the City of Philadelphia Mental Health 24-hour Hotline at 215-686-4420. You can also go immediately to a hospital ER.

What is neuropsychological testing?

Neuropsychological testing measures a person’s abilities related to thinking, learning, and memory.  It provides information about short- term and long-term memory, attention and concentration, problem-solving, logical and abstract reasoning, and ability to understand and use oral and written language, planning and organizing abilities, visual-motor coordination, and visual-spatial reasoning.  By assessing functioning in each of these areas, we can determine whether a learning disability, attention deficit disorder, or other disorder is interfering with your academic performance.  For more information on neuropsychological and psychoeducational testing at the SCC, please see the Neuropsych Testing Page.

How long does neuropsychological testing take?

Neuropsychological testing is a lengthy process that includes an intake interview and six to eight hours of test administration for the student.  After the testing has been completed, the examiner scores the tests, interprets the results, writes up a comprehensive report, and then meets with the student to discuss the results.  At the student’s request and with proper written authorization, the report can then be distributed to the Office of Disabilities Services or other departments/agency. The entire process generally takes six to eight weeks, although different factors may extend the process.  For more information on neuropsychological and psychoeducational testing at the SCC, please see the Neuropsych Testing Page.

Can I get prescribed medication?

Currently, the SCC does not have an in-house psychiatrist.  However, the SCC does have a relationship with several psychiatrists in the community and will be happy to provide you with a referral.  A psychiatrist will consult with you regarding your medication needs and provide ongoing management.  With your permission, your SCC therapist may contact your psychiatrist in order to coordinate care and provide you with the best treatment possible.

What does it mean if my therapist is a practicum student or intern?

The SCC is staffed by licensed psychologists and advanced predoctoral and postdoctoral level trainees.   The advanced trainees are doctoral candidates in the Drexel University Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology or doctoral programs of other area universities who have been trained in psychotherapy and psychological assessment and typically have significant previous therapy experience. All trainees are closely supervised by licensed psychologists.