Common Questions

What exactly is meant by "counseling?"

Counseling at the Student Counseling Service (SCS) means working with an appropriately licensed clinician or supervised clinician in training and talking about concerns you are facing in order to identify effective approaches to address these concerns. We are trained in methods to support students’ mental health. 

Does counseling or psychotherapy really work?

Licensed clinicians offer more than someplace to vent. Licensed clinicians have years of training and experience in methods to support students’ mental health. There is significant evidence showing that psychotherapy is a very effective treatment for mental health concerns.

How effective is psychotherapy?

Hundreds of studies have found that psychotherapy is a very effective treatment for mental health concerns. Reviews of these studies show that about 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit. Other reviews have found that the average person who engages in psychotherapy is better off by the end of treatment than 80 percent of those who do not receive treatment at all.

What is short-term or brief psychotherapy? Are there appointment limits at SCS?

Brief therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is short-term in nature and typically focuses on solutions rather than problems. The aim is to emphasize students' strengths and to help students work actively towards well-defined goals through a collaborative relationship.

Many students find that brief therapy helps to keep the meetings focused and productive. The time-limited nature of counseling can encourage the student and clinician to work together effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, brief therapy has been shown to be suitable for a wide variety of students and concerns, such as anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, stress, and lifestyle changes. Research has shown that various forms of time-limited therapy yield very good results.

At SCS, we believe in having a scope of service rather than arbitrary appointment limits. We believe most students will be able to receive a maximum benefit using a time-limited approach and following our stated scope of service. 

Are the clinicians also on faculty at RFUMS?

No. The clinicians that staff the Student Counseling Service (SCS) do not have faculty appointments or teaching responsibilities at RFUMS. This is to ensure privacy and protection for students.

Where is the Student Counseling Service located?

Student Counseling Service is housed at the main Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) campus. Student Counseling Service is a part of the Student Health and Wellness Center; reception for the Student Health and Wellness Center is located in room L.057 in the lower level of the RWCLC building. The Student Health and Wellness Center is just down the hall from the Fitness Center and directly across from the computer lab.

What are the hours of operation? How do I make an appointment? 

The current SCS hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (appointments required). These business hours define when clinicians are responding to email and phone inquiries. Student Counseling Service (SCS) offers limited flexible scheduling tele-psychotherapy to accommodate student schedules. 

Emailing, using your RFUMS email, to scs@rosalindfranklin.edu is the preferred method of contact. You can use Virtru for added security when emailing. You can also call us on our confidential voicemail at 847-578-8723; please always leave a message.

Are appointments required to talk to a clinician?

Appointments are required to meet with a clinician unless you are making use of walk-in. Student Counseling Service (SCS) offers in-person walk-in time at noon-1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to serve students in crisis*. You will be required to follow current practice guidelines related to screening and/or mask-wearing. A licensed clinician or supervised clinician in training will meet with you in order to learn more about the crisis* situation and to determine needed intervention/s. 

Is there a cost to use the Student Counseling Service?

Services at Student Counseling Service (SCS) are available at no additional cost to Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) students.

Who is eligible to use the Student Counseling Service?

The Student Counseling Service (SCS) is available to Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) students, provided the student is currently enrolled, as defined by RFUMS. We are not able to treat non-students in any capacity (i.e. couples therapy with a currently enrolled student).

Are my visits to the Student Counseling Service confidential?

Matters shared with SCS clinicians are kept confidential and private. There are specific laws and ethics relevant to confidentiality and exceptions which are upheld by SCS clinicians and are outlined in the paperwork you will complete prior to scheduling an appointment at SCS. 

Will my academic record include visits to the Student Counseling Service?

Visits to Student Counseling Service (SCS) are not part of your academic record.

What if I need a medication evaluation? Is this a service offered at Student Counseling Service?

While we do not offer medication evaluation as a service at Student Counseling Service (SCS), we are prepared to assess your presenting concerns and to offer referral to any additional services that you may need, including for medication evaluation. We will make sure that referrals are specific to your needs and support you in addressing any barriers to accessing referrals.

What if I need psychological testing and a report? Is this a service offered at Student Counseling Service?

Psychological testing can be very beneficial to guide treatment. For more information about psychological testing, please see the following: https://www.apa.org/topics/psychological-testing-assessment. While we do not offer psychological testing as a service at Student Counseling Service (SCS), we are prepared to assess your presenting concerns and to offer referral to any additional services that you may need, including for psychological testing. We will make sure that referrals are specific to your needs and support you in addressing any barriers to accessing referrals.