Where is the office located?
The Counseling Center is located in the Shoemaker Building, between the Chapel & LeFrak Hall.
What are your hours?
Fall and Spring semesters:
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Winter and Summer:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Is my visit confidential?
Yes. The Counseling Center follows all state and federal privacy laws and ethical guidelines regarding confidentiality. We will not share information about your visit with anyone outside of the Counseling Center without your written permission. Please note that the law allows for exceptions to the confidentiality policy in cases involving threat to self or others or in cases involving abuse.
Who is eligible for services?
All registered UMD students are eligible for services. The type and amount of services that are recommended is different for every student and based on a thorough evaluation of each student’s clinical concerns and needs.
How do I start accessing services?
To get started with services, schedule a Brief Assessment appointment by contacting the Counseling Center front-desk in person at the Shoemaker Building or by phone at (301) 314-7651. If it is urgent and you cannot wait for the next appointment, please let the reception staff know so they can help you get seen for a same-day urgent visit.
How much do services cost?
Counseling Center services are free to registered UMD students.
What if my concern is urgent?
The Counseling Center has urgent support available 24/7. During business hours, crisis support is available in person at our office in the Shoemaker Building. At all other times, crisis support is available by phone at (301) 314-7651. For life threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Do you provide virtual services?
The Counseling Center provides both in-person and virtual services. Some services, such as brief assessments and brief individual counseling, are available in both formats, whereas other services are provided in only a single format (e.g. urgent visits occur in person; workshops occur virtually).
Can I request to see a counselor of a particular background?
Please let the receptionist know if you have preferences regarding the background of your counselor, and we will try our best to accommodate your preferences.
Why do I need to complete forms for my first visit?
Completing our online forms prior to your initial visit allows your counselor to become familiar with your situation, prepare for your visit, and make the most appropriate recommendations for next steps.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
The Counseling Center is committed to helping you access services as quickly as possible. Brief Assessment appointments are typically available within 48 hours. If you cannot wait for the next appointment, please let the reception staff know so they can help you get seen for a same-day urgent visit.
What if I do not feel comfortable with my counselor?
If you do not feel comfortable talking with your counselor, you can let your counselor know that you prefer to meet with someone else, and ask them to help you schedule with a different counselor.
Will my parents be notified about my visit?
No. Your parents will not be notified of your visit. If you want us to share information with your parents, you will first complete a consent form to permit us to do so.
Will my visit go on my school record?
No, your visit will not be on your school record. We will not share information about your visit with school administrators, faculty, staff, or anyone else without your consent.
What types of counseling do you provide?
We provide a variety of clinical services, including short-term individual counseling, group counseling, workshops and more. Learn more about clinical services.
What if I need more than short-term services?
If you would benefit from longer-term services, we will assist you in locating community providers that will best fit your needs. Talk to your counselor, or, if you don’t have one, get started by scheduling a Brief Assessment appointment.
Does the Counseling Center prescribe medication?
The Counseling Center does not staff psychiatrists or prescribe medication. For medication, please contact the University Health Center’s Behavioral Health Services unit. If you are not sure whether you would benefit from medication or alternative treatment services, please schedule a Brief Assessment with the Counseling Center, so we can discuss this further and make an appropriate referral.
Can I volunteer at the Counseling Center?
To protect the privacy of the students we see, the Counseling Center does not provide volunteer opportunities. Instead, we encourage students to get involved in one of our partnerships focused on improving the campus culture of mental health.
Can faculty and staff receive Counseling Center services?
No. The Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), housed within the University Health Center, offers mental health services for UMD faculty and staff. The Counseling Center can provide faculty and staff with outreach and consultation services designed to aid them in their support of students.
Can someone from the Counseling Center talk to my class or group?
Yes, we provide outreach programming to the campus community on topics related to mental health. Please provide at least 3 weeks notice when submitting an outreach request.
How can I take care of my mental health if I don’t want counseling?
There are many ways to take care of your mental health and counseling is only one of them. Learn about mental health concerns commonly experienced by college students and coping and strategies and resources for these concerns. Additionally, the Wellness Series offers a variety of topics related to college student mental health and academic success. The Wellness Series virtual skills sessions are drop-in and do not require an appointment. Follow the Counseling Center on social media for additional mental health prompts and videos.