The Counseling Center was established by St. Olaf College to enhance the personal growth and development of its students. The Center supports students in their academic pursuits and facilitates personal and interpersonal learning and growth. The programs it provides are preventive as well as remedial.
Confidentiality
The St. Olaf Counseling Center policy on confidentiality follows the ethical guidelines of the Minnesota Board of Psychology. Information is released to no one outside the Counseling Center staff without written permission from the student. In rare circumstances, a counselor might be legally required to break confidence.
Eligibility for Services
Counseling Center services are provided without cost to all St. Olaf students.
Services
A variety of services and programs are provided within the Counseling Center; others are held in residence halls or in classrooms.
Individual Counseling
Any personal concern is appropriate to bring to the Counseling Center. Student concerns typically involve issues related to relationships, identity, family, depression, victimization, anxiety/panic attacks, academics, grief and loss, socialization/isolation, food/body image or chemical use/abuse.
Group Counseling
In the past these groups have focused on topics such as family issues, food and body image concerns, coping with grief and loss, victimization issues, enhancing relationships, men’s issues, women’s issues, and personal growth.
Nutrition Counseling
Nutritional counseling is available, to students who have concerns about their eating/body image. Students must be referred to the dietitian by a staff therapist, and please be aware appointments with the nutritionist can take 3-4 weeks to schedule.
Presentation
The focus of these presentations may involve topics such as stress management, depression, adjustment issues, eating and body image issues, healthy relationships, anxiety, and how to help a troubled friend.
Consultation
Operating within the guidelines of the Center’s policy on confidentiality, counselors are available for consultations with students, faculty, administrative personnel, resident hall staff, and parents.
Referrals
The counselors will refer students to other campus services, or off-campus professionals and agencies, for services not available at the Counseling Center.
Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk is a walk-in confidential and informal 15-20 minute consultation session (not counseling) offered from 1:30-2:20pm, Monday thru Friday. The counselor will listen closely to your concerns and provide support, perspective, and suggestions for resources. Appointments are first come, first served and are available in person at the Counseling Center. Let’s Talk is not available during breaks or holidays.