USF 1999-2000 Undergraduate Catalog - Page 28

Counseling Center for Human Development

The Counseling Center is a comprehensive, student-oriented facility providing services in educational skill enhancement, career development, and mental health to the USF community. The Center offers individual treatment on a time-limited basis and makes referrals to in-house therapy groups or to community settings for appropriate management of problems requiring longer-term care. All services preserve the confidentiality of students. For more information about any of the following services, call 974-2831, stop by SVC (Student Services) 2124, or visit our web page (http://usfweb.usf.edu/counsel). Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except University holidays).

The Career Counseling Service is designed to assist students in choosing a major and an appropriate career goal. Major emphasis is given to the development of realistic educational and career goals through greater self understanding, reality-based decision-making, and effective problem-solving. Services include intake evaluation; assessment of abilities, interests, and other relevant characteristics; individual and group counseling; informational services; and consultation. In addition, SIGI PLUS, FOCUS, and CAREER FINDER, computerized career information and guidance support systems, are available to assist students in the process of self-assessment and career exploration. A Career Information Library containing current occupational resources is available for student use.

The Personal Counseling Service is designed to enhance the personal and career development of university students. Professional counselors assist the student to develop a clear sense of identity, establish autonomy, discover strengths and potential, and become a more insightful, self-directing person. Services, aimed at early detection of potential mental health problems, are as follows: Intake evaluation and disposition, crisis intervention, psychological assessment, time-limited individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, personal growth groups, and both time-limited and ongoing psychotherapy groups. Adjunctive services include psychiatric consultation, anxiety management, and skill-enhancement workshops.

The Reading and Learning Program provides coursework, workshops, and individual instruction in the learning strategies and reading skills necessary for academic success. The program also offers two credit-bearing courses–Advanced Reading (3 credits) and Learning Strategies within Academic Disciplines (2 credits). Workshops are offered each semester for study skills and for the individual sections of the CLAST. CLAST groups are also offered for students seeking remediation in the different areas of CLAST. Additionally, diagnostic services and individual instruction are available to assist individuals in reading comprehension and study skills.

Testing and Assessment Services enhance the effectiveness of counseling by providing objective information about students. Tests of abilities, aptitudes, career interests, personality, reading comprehension, study skills, and other complex psychological attributes are available. Additionally, the Learning Disabilities Testing Program receives referrals from the Office of Disabled Student Services and identifies students with specific learning disabilities.

The Outreach Program aims at understanding the needs of the University community and developing programs to meet those needs. Structured groups, workshops and presentations are provided for students and staff as methods of primary prevention and education. Through a monthly newsletter, student publications, posters, advertisements, and presentations to student organizations and other groups, Center staff provide information about a wide range of mental health, psychosocial and educational issues that concern students.

Specialized programs include the Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse (CASA) and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. CASA focuses on research, prevention, and treatment with regard to alcohol and other drug use/abuse. Vocational Rehabilitation services are available for qualifying students and include vocational evaluation, vocational and personal counseling and guidance, coordination of services, training assistance, provision of books and supplies, and treatment.

Veterans Services provides specialized services and programs to veterans, eligible dependents, active duty personnel, and members of the Selected Reserve. The staff assists students with their use of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Educational Benefits, and serve as information and referral resources. Veterans Services was established to act as a liaison, whenever possible, between the VA students and the VA or various USF offices in order to help resolve problems. Veterans Services is the point where students submit all paperwork concerning VA Educational Benefits. Programs to help students financially include VA Work-Study Program, VA Deferment of Fees, Advance Payment Program and VA Tutorial Assistance. Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except University holidays). Under special circumstances, it is possible to call to arrange for an after-hours appointment. For further information, contact the staff in SVC 2127, call 974-2291, or visit our web page (http://usfweb.usf.edu/vetserve/).

Please send questions or comments to:
Karen M. Hall - webCat@ugs.usf.edu
Effective Date: Semester I, 1999