Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Who is eligible to receive counseling?

Current and actively enrolled students are eligible for counseling services. High School Dual Enrollment students and students under the age of 18 will need to have a parental consent form on file with the Counseling and Wellness Center.

Are counseling sessions confidential?

The counselors of the Santa Fe College Counseling and Wellness Center abide by the ethical codes of their respective professional organizations and the legal statutes of the State of Florida governing their profession. In keeping with these standards counselors will respect and maintain your privacy, but a counselor may be required to break confidentiality if there is a clear and immediate probability of physical harm to the client/student or others, if there is a report of child abuse, or if there is a report of elder abuse. Specific details of confidentiality are covered during the initial intake and students are always encouraged to speak with a counselor if they have any questions.

What kind of training/background do counselors have?

You can refer to the staff webpage for more details about individual counselors.

Does the Counseling and Wellness Center provide psychological evaluations or treatment for outside agencies?

The Counseling and Wellness Center does not provide readiness to return to work assessments, court mandated counseling, or documentation for therapy animals, emotional support animals, or service animals; however, we can assist you with identifying community mental health providers who may be able to assist you with these issues.

Does the Counseling and Wellness Center provide counseling to non-enrolled students?

The Counseling and Wellness Center provides services to students actively enrolled in the current semester. Limited services are also available to students who were enrolled in the most recently completed semester, so long as they have not graduated as well as to new or returning students planning to enroll for the next semester.

What can I expect from my session with a counselor?

You will have the attention of a compassionate and knowledgeable professional counselor who will listen to you as a whole person, with a unique set of characteristics, life experiences and challenges. Your counselor will collaborate with you as you explore your concerns and questions, to gain insight, direction and hope.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

If you can't make it to your appointment, we require that you call at least 24 work hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 work hours in advance, will be considered a no-show.  Appointments are in high demand, and your advanced notice will allow another student access to that appointment time.

A student who no-shows twice in a semester will not be allowed to make further counseling appointments in that semester; visits required by Standards of Academic Progress policy will be permitted during posted walk-in hours.

I am not getting the grades I had hoped to earn. How can a counselor help?

Your counselor can help you with study strategies and explore your learning style, test taking strategies, steps to reduce test anxiety, and ways to resolve personal concerns that may be interfering with your ability to concentrate on your studies. If you are on suspension, your counselor can explain options you have to improve your academic status. If a life trauma has prevented you from succeeding in classes during a particular semester, you and your counselor can discuss academic policies to consider.

I can't seem to decide on a major or career. Can a counselor help?

Yes. It is so much easier to study if you understand how your studies connect with a desired career goal. Your counselor can suggest career assessments, to be taken in the Career Exploration Center, and can then interpret the results with you. By understanding your personality preferences, interests, values and skills, you and your counselor can identify majors and careers that complement you as a unique person.

My roommate hasn't left the apartment for over a week, sleeps a lot, may be doing drugs, and questions if life is worth living. How can a counselor help?

You can call or meet with a counselor and discuss your concerns. The counselor can give you ideas for speaking with your roommate and getting the help he or she desperately needs. Let your roommate know there is hope and that he or she is not alone. Try to bring them to the Counseling and Wellness Center. Consider speaking with your roommate's instructors about your fears. Counselors can help you find reading material and additional campus and community resources. After hours, the Alachua County Crisis Center offers support by calling 352-264-6789.

What should I do if I observe concerning or threatening behavior that suggests harm to SF students, staff, or visitors?

Students, staff, or visitors to the campus that observe this type of behavior are encouraged to absolutely report these behaviors to a supervisor, the Santa Fe Police Department, or the Counseling and Wellness Center. The SFPD webpage on Safety and Security describes warning signs to look out for. Students, staff, and visitors are also encouraged to make reports about concerning or threatening behavior through the Safe Santa Fe Reporting System.