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.
Trauma Services
We provide therapeutic services for survivors of sexual violence, physical violence, emotional abuse, natural disasters, and other events and incidents, which have had a profound impact in the lives of our students.
Additional resources include:
Student Health Center
Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services
Hospital Emergency Department
Healthy Eating And Living
LGBTQ+ Services
Student Counseling & Psychological Services is committed to the well-being of our LGBTQ+ students. All clinical and office support staff have received Safe Zone Training, and several of our clinicians specialize in working with this aspect of identity. We are committed to creating and providing an affirming environment within our department, university, and community at large.
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.
All groups will meet in-person in our Summerville Campus location.
DBT 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 for a total of 6 sessions. Led by two trained therapistst, 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.
The group will meet in-person in our Summerville Campus location.
Mind, Body, Spirit Anxiety Workshop (Aaron Rose)
THURSDAYS 12PM-1PM | Microsoft Teams Video
Your mind, body, and spirit are stronger than your anxiety. Equip yourself with tools to healthfully manage anxious symptoms and feel more in control with this 3-session workshop addressing the cognitive, physical, and emotional components of anxiety. Each session will last about an hour. There will be limited, if any, interaction with other participants and brief processing afterward.
MIND: This installment of the three-part Mind, Body, Spirit anxiety workshop will focus on the mind (i.e., cognitive aspects of anxiety). You'll learn ways to rethink your thinking and get out of your head.
BODY: Take time out of your day to relax your body—and mind—during this installment of the three-part anxiety management workshop.
SPIRIT: This installment of the three-part anxiety workshop will focus on the Spirit. We will explore the important roles of life balance and overall self-care in managing anxiety.
Sleep Workshop (Bayo Onabule)
Bi-weekly on WEDNESDAYS 12pm-1pm | 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.
