Counseling Center: FAQ

Requests for Excuse from Class

Will the Counseling Center provide me with an excuse from class?
The Counseling Center will not issue notes or excuses on a routine basis. Responsibility for class attendance and for completion of assignments rests primarily with the student. The student is encouraged to communicate directly with faculty. The Counseling Center will, with a Release of Information form signed by the student, verify a student's attendance at Counseling Center appointments.

Emotional Support Animal Requests

Can the Counseling Center help me get an emotional support animal?
The Counseling Center will not assess for need or endorse a request for an emotional support animal.  Students seeking accommodations for an emotional support animal should reach out to the Assistant Director, Student Accessibility Services (CSS), located in Solution Central, for such requests.

Psychological Testing Requests

Can the Counseling Center arrange psychological testing for me?
The Counseling Center does not offer psychological testing but can provide referrals to the community for this service.

Medication Requests

Can staff at the Counseling Center prescribe medication for me?
The Counseling Center does not have a psychiatrist on staff, so we are unable to prescribe medication.  We can, upon request, provide a list of local provider referrals.  It is the student's responsibility to contact the local provider(s) to determine insurance eligibility and arrange services.  Students can also call the number on the back of their medical insurance card to determine which local providers are in network.

Referrals to Local Providers

Why might I be referred to a local provider instead of being provided with ongoing therapy?
The RMU Counseling Center is not a comprehensive treatment center, therefore, we reserve the right to refer a student to other mental health providers or treatment centers.  Reasons for referral include, but are not limited to, counselor or student availability, student presenting with issues that are incongruent with our expertise or scope of practice, or student eligibility issues.

Availability of Services

What are the Counseling Centers hours of operation?
The Counseling Center offers services during the entire year. Appointments are available between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. In the summer, we close at 3:00 pm on Fridays.  The Counseling Center observes holidays as designated by the university. We do not see clients during hours when the office is not officially open. If a student is unavailable during our business hours, then they may be referred to community providers.

Requests Related to Campus Housing

Will the Counseling Center provide me with documentation regarding my housing assignment?
The RMU Counseling Center will not endorse a request for specific campus housing. Such requests should be discussed with Residence Life staff.  Any requests for accommodations should be directed to the Assistant Director, Student Accessibility Services (CSS), located in Solution Central.