Online Counseling
Online counseling is a new program that is being provided by Counseling & Career Development to provide counseling services to our growing population of online students. We are providing services beginning Fall 2012 semester, and we look forward to expanding our online services in Spring 2013.
What is online counseling?
Online counseling allows students to work on all of the same areas of concern that they would work on in face to face counseling, but the counseling takes place via online video conferencing. While the counselor will still be located at Counseling & Career Development, the client may be at home or another location miles away from campus.
Who can participate in online counseling?
Online counseling was designed specifically for students taking online classes at the University of West Georgia, who may be unable to attend counseling sessions on campus. If you are not sure whether online counseling is for you, our staff is happy to help you find the services that are the best fit for your situation.
Is online counseling confidential?
While we make every effort to uphold the same confidentiality standards in online counseling that we have in face to face counseling. The nature of the internet prevents us from being able to fully guarantee confidentiality. We use the same software, Blackboard Collaborate, for counseling that you may use for some of your online classes. While this program is not encrypted, we provide each student with his or her personal and unique link to the counseling session to provide you with the highest level of confidentiality possible.
What services do you offer online?
We currently offer individual counseling via online video conferencing. In Spring 2013, we will introduce online group counseling and podcasts on counseling related topics.
This sounds interesting, but is it weird talking with a counselor online? Most of our students say that they worried about online counseling being awkward, but most are surprised by how normal it feels once they experience it for themselves. It is a good idea to talk with your counselor about any concerns you have with the online process.
How do I set up an appointment?
Click below for information on setting up an appointment.
What will happen after I set up my first appointment?
You will receive an email the day you set up your first appointment. That email will provide a link where you will fill out the first appointment paperwork. This must be completed at least 24 hours before your first session. The same email will contain a unique link to the online counseling “room” where you will meet with your counselor at the specified time. It is a good idea to allow a few extra minutes to log into the room before your first session. This will allow you to work out any technology kinks and get familiar with the environment of the counseling room.
Click here for appointment information
If you are in Crisis please click here for more information or call the appropriate number. If you are off campus call 911. If you are on campus call University Police at 96000.