We provide free and confidential mental health services for all actively enrolled students using a brief and focused treatment model.
This short-term model allows us to serve the greatest number of students with limited resources, and is capable of addressing a wide range of concerns. The majority of students find that 1-6 sessions are effective in addressing their needs, with some receiving less, and some receiving more. We assist in making community referrals for students who would could benefit from longer-term counseling (generally more than 8 sessions).
Individual Counseling
To establish counseling services and address mental health concerns, students can choose to set up one of two types of appointments: an Initial Appointment or a Single Solution Focused Appointment.
Initial Appointments are a good fit for students who believe that their mental health concerns can be addressed via counseling services such as individual and group counseling.
Single Solution Focused Appointments are a good fit for students who believe that their concern may be addressed in a one-time counseling appointment. Much of the focus during these appointments is addressing immediate concerns and identifying solutions.
These appointments are scheduled for 1 hour, and we ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to complete computerized paperwork. Appointments are offered Monday through Friday during both morning and afternoon times, on both the Summerville and Health Sciences campus. Telehealth options are also available.
Relational Counseling
Relational counseling is available to unmarried couples who attend Augusta University. It is a good fit for couples who would like to receive support in addressing concerns and challenges related to their romantic relationship. To establish counseling services, one member of the couple must contact SCAPS to schedule an appointment. After a triage call, the couple will be scheduled for an Couples Initial Appointment to begin brief therapy with a counselor.
These appointments are scheduled for 1 hour, and we ask that you arrive 20-30 minutes early to complete computerized paperwork. Appointments are offered Monday through Friday during both morning and afternoon times, on both the Summerville and Health Sciences campus. Telehealth options may be available.
Consultation Services
We provide in-person and phone consultation for all persons who are concerned about a member of our university community. In addition, we consult with students who may be uncertain as to whether they need counseling services or want to learn more about what to expect from the counseling process. If you are concerned about a member of our university community and wish to consult with one of our counselors, or if you need help determining whether counseling is for you or what to expect from it, please call us at 706-737-1471 to get connected to one of our counselors.
Group counseling is a great option for students presenting with a wide range of concerns (e.g., interpersonal and relationship concerns; grief and loss; depression; anxiety; adjustment issues) and for those who desire to learn more about themselves and others. Through building relationships with group members, students will help each other reach their goals and move closer to change.
What to Expect
Group counseling is an exciting way to experience personal growth through enriching interpersonal connections with fellow students. You can expect to receive and provide feedback and support to others and strengthen your relationship-building skills. Additionally, group has been shown to be an effective form of treatment for anxiety, depression, and many other mental health concerns.
While verbal participation is not required during group, students generally find that they get out of group what they put into it, and we encourage students to participate at their own pace. Over time, group members are encouraged to push themselves into trying new behaviors and ways of thinking. In this way, we see group counseling as a “laboratory” to experiment with new ways of being in the world and with others.
Groups generally run about 90 minutes, include 4-8 students at any given time, and are co-led by two mental health professionals.
To join a group, students first need to receive a triage appointment, at which time they can speak with their counselor about their interest in one of our groups.
INTERPERSONAL PROCESS GROUPS
These groups will provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to discuss concerns related to their academic, social, personal, and emotional lives in a safe and supportive environment. Our process groups focus on the interactions among group members, which allows students the opportunity to examine relationships, provide and receive feedback, and explore communication styles in order to deepen self-awareness and learn how to relate to others.
DBT-INFORMED SKILLS GROUP
This is a DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) informed skills group that is structured and supportive. Group members will learn practical skills to better manage and understand their emotions, improve their relationships and cope with challenging situations. The group will meet weekly. Led by two trained therapists, the group will address the four main modules of DBT: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. The group is designed to be a collaborative environment aimed at enhancing emotional well-being and personal growth.
DBT Workshop: Emotional Regulation, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, & Distress Tolerance (Susan Barker)
Tuesdays 12pm-1pm | DoxyMe
Are you seeking to manage intense emotions, build healthier relationships, and create a more fulfilling life? Join us for our transformative Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Workshop, where you'll gain practical tools and insights to enhance your well-being.
Sleep Workshop (Bayo Onabule)
Bi-weekly on Tuesdays 1pm-2pm | Microsoft Teams Video
Sleep is the most fundamental and consistent activity in which we engage our body and mind throughout our lives. Yet, many of us struggle to rest, recuperate or feel that we have recharged after sleep. In this workshop, we will review some basic interventions and practices using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) principles that are clinically reviewed and evidence-based. Starts Aug 20th.
Decoding Anxiety: A Holistic Journey Through Mind, Body and Spirit (McKenzie Hopkins)
Wednesdays 2pm-3pm | Microsoft Teams Video
Decoding Anxiety is an immersive workshop designed to provide a deeper understanding of anxiety over the course of three 1 hr. virtual sessions. Dive into the intricate connections between your mental processes, physical responses, and emotional experiences. Through research-based practices and interactive activities, you'll uncover how these elements interplay to shape your anxiety and learn strategies to manage it more effectively. Join us for a engaging exploration of anxiety that addresses the whole person, not just the symptoms. Starts Sep 4th.
