Confidentiality Policy
The Wellness Center follows strict guidelines regarding confidentiality. Counseling and Psychological Services adheres to the ethical guidelines of the American Counseling Association, including strictly respecting the right to confidentiality of records and information shared by students in a counseling session. All records, computerized and written, will be stored, retrieved and maintained according to acceptable ethical guidelines. CAPS staff will generally release records only to other mental health care providers; however, students should be aware that there are certain circumstances under which their right to confidentiality may be outweighed by a conflicting legal or ethical duty of the therapist to disclose confidential information. For example, if the CAPS staff determines that a student is potentially harmful to themselves or others, learns of child neglect or abuse, or is ordered by a court of law or otherwise required by law to surrender its records, then the staff member may have to disclose information that the student shared on a confidential basis. In all other circumstances, the CAPS staff member will obtain the student’s written permission before disclosing the confidential information to anyone. Information is shared between CAPS and Health Services on a strict “need to know” basis. An example of when limited information may be shared is in the event that you are being treated by both departments and information regarding your mental health would be important for Health Services staff to know for safety reasons or when devising a treatment plan.
Eligibility Policy
All full-time registered St. Mary’s students are eligible for health services, as well as counseling for individuals and couples. Partners of registered students are eligible for couples counseling only. Students who are 18 years of age and older are eligible for psychiatric and medication services with the psychiatric nurse practitioner. Students on leave of absence (LOA), those who have withdrawn or have been dismissed, and SMCM alumni are eligible for transitional counseling within one (1) month of their status change. Transitional counseling includes referral to other resources for care as necessary, and is limited to two (2) sessions maximum.
Summer session students have full access to CAPS. Students registered for the fall semester but not currently enrolled in summer classes may utilize CAPS as determined by need and availability of staff.
Fees
As part of your tuition and fees, all full-time students pay a Wellness Center fee and are therefore eligible to access services at the Wellness Center free of charge.
There are a few services that require extra fees:
- Lab Tests that are not done on site
- Prescriptions for medications that we don’t stock
- Immunizations- tetanus shots, and PPD tests
Methods of Payment
Your private health insurance is billed for laboratory services.
Diversity Policy
The Wellness Center is committed to the promotion and celebration of diversity in all of its forms. We recognize and acknowledge the impact of stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, oppression, power and privilege and are committed to creating a community based on mutual respect, understanding and openness. We encourage the utilization of our services by all students, including those who may be reluctant to receive traditional forms of treatment. We strive to provide a safe, welcoming and affirming environment for all persons who seek our services.The staff of the Wellness Center are committed to following the ethical principles of our profession which state:
Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination. Psychologists are aware of and respect cultural, individual and role differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language and socioeconomic status and consider these factors when working with members of such groups. Psychologists try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone activities of others based upon such prejudices (American Psychological Association, 2010).
Additionally, the following is a core principle value of the counseling profession:
Honoring diversity and embracing a multicultural approach in support of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of people within their social and cultural contexts (American Counseling Association, 2014).