"Do You Need To Visit Us?" 

Confidentiality

What Happens in Counseling? 

You--with your counselor's trained help--will... 

define and clarify your problem(s) 
explore the many possibilities that exist for change 
develop a strategy for action 

What Can I Expect? 

Don't expect... 

Ann Lander's "expert" advice 
things to get better immediately 
your counselor to tell you what to do 
"shoulds" or "musts" about your behavior 

Do expect... 

clues to better coping 
support and guidance to make sometimes difficult changes 
to speak honestly about your state of mind, feelings and disappointments 
caring, gentle challenge without any judgment 

How Long Will it Take? 

Many clients benefit from a single session with a counselor. At the UMD Counseling Center, the average number of sessions for students is three or four. For more complex concerns, you may choose to meet for more sessions with your counselor. At any time, you are welcome to return for further help with the same or with a new situation. 

How Do I Make an Appointment? 

You may make an appointment with a counselor in the UMD Counseling Center by calling 508-999-8650 or by dropping by the Counseling Center (right above Admissions, in the Auditorium Annex; more or less between Group I and the Auditorium)   We are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday, and all our services are free of charge. Walk-in hours, when you can be seen without an appointment, are 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Mon-Fri.

About Confidentiality . . . 

What you share with the counselor will be held in confidence, unless you authorize your counselor to discuss it with others.  If you wish your counselor to communicate with any one else, you will be asked to sign a release which specifies what information you want released and with whom it is to be shared.   Under Massachusetts law, some specific types of  information are not confidential.   Abuse of children, the disabled, and the elderly must be reported.  Situations of imminent harm to self or others may also require the counselor to release information as part of a plan of action to keep everyone involved safe.

Last Updated On: 7/24/07