FAQs
Counseling Center services are available at no cost to currently enrolled Rhode Island College students. To be eligible for ongoing counseling services, students must generally be enrolled in at least four (4) credit hours and be 18 years of age or older. Exceptions may be made for students experiencing urgent or emergency mental health concerns.
Yes. Counseling services are confidential, and Counseling Center records are not part of your academic record. Information shared during counseling will not be released without your written permission except in circumstances required by law or when there is a serious concern about safety. Examples include:
- Risk of harm to yourself or others
- Suspected child, elder, or vulnerable adult abuse
- Court orders or other legal requirements
- Other situations required by law or necessary to protect health and safety
During significant safety concerns, consultation with campus partners may occur when necessary to support student well-being and safety.
No. Counseling Center records are maintained separately from your educational records in a secure electronic health record system and are protected by confidentiality standards.
Students begin by scheduling a Triage Appointment. During this initial meeting, a counselor will:
- Review confidentiality and informed consent
- Discuss your concerns and goals
- Assess any safety concerns
- Determine the most appropriate level of care
Following triage, students may be referred to individual counseling, group counseling, Learning for Life, community providers, psychiatric services, or other resources based on their needs.
A Triage Appointment is the Counseling Center's first appointment and is designed to help determine the best path forward for your care. Triage appointments are conducted in person and typically focus on understanding your concerns, assessing urgency, and developing recommendations for treatment and support.
If Counseling Center services are recommended after triage, you will be scheduled for an Intake Appointment with an assigned counselor. During the intake, your counselor will learn more about your history, discuss treatment goals, review assessment results, and develop a personalized treatment plan with you.
The Counseling Center uses a short-term, goal-focused treatment model. Most students receive approximately 6-8 sessions during an episode of care. Additional sessions may be approved when clinically appropriate based on treatment needs and progress.
The Counseling Center primarily provides short-term counseling. Students requiring weekly, long-term, intensive, or specialized mental health treatment may be referred to community providers. Counseling Center staff can assist with identifying and connecting students to appropriate community resources.
Yes. Telehealth appointments may be available after students complete the required in-person triage and intake process. Students participating in telehealth services must be physically located in Rhode Island during each session due to licensing regulations.
TELUS Health Student Support (also known as RIC Hope Line) provides Rhode Island College students with free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support, including:
- Immediate counseling by phone or chat
- Scheduled short-term counseling
- Wellness resources and self-help tools
- Resource navigation and referrals
Students can access TELUS Health services whether or not they are currently receiving services through the Counseling Center.
Students are encouraged to cancel appointments at least 24 hours in advance whenever possible.
Students who accumulate three (3) no-show appointments during a semester may lose eligibility for ongoing services. Repeated cancellations may also affect service eligibility. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late may be asked to reschedule.
The Counseling Center strives to match students with counselors based on availability, student preferences, and clinical needs whenever possible. If you feel your counselor is not the right fit, you are encouraged to discuss your concerns with your clinician or contact the Counseling Center to explore alternative options.
Yes. The Counseling Center partners with a contracted psychiatrist through Brown University Health who provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management services during the academic year.
Students receiving medication management are expected to remain engaged in counseling services either through the Counseling Center or another mental health provider.
No. The Counseling Center does not provide comprehensive evaluations for ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other specialized diagnostic assessments. Students seeking these services may be referred to qualified providers in the community.
No. The Counseling Center does not provide ESA evaluations, letters, or supporting documentation. Students seeking an Emotional Support Animal evaluation should work with a qualified independent provider and consult Disability Access Services regarding accommodation procedures.
Yes. Group counseling is an important part of our services and may be recommended as a primary treatment option or as a supplement to individual counseling. Participation in groups is not subject to the same session limits as individual counseling.
If you are concerned about a student's emotional well-being, contact the Counseling Center for consultation. Faculty, staff, friends, and family members can receive guidance about how to support students and connect them with appropriate resources. For immediate safety concerns, contact Campus Police at 401-456-8888.
Students can access:
- RIC HOPE Line: 401-456-HOPE (4673)
- TELUS Health Student Support: 24/7 mental health support and wellness resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Campus Police: 401-456-8888
- Emergency: Call 911
These services are available when the Counseling Center is closed and can provide immediate support during mental health concerns or crises.
