Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for counseling?
No. All counseling is provided free of charge to all students currently enrolled at Midwestern University. Counseling services are subsidized through student activity fees. Based on the assessment of the counselor, it may be necessary to utilize alternate resources for specialized interventions. In that case, referrals will be made to a community provider. These referrals may or may not be covered under the student’s health plan. Under these circumstances, the student is required to meet expenses not covered under his/her health plan.
How do I make an appointment?
The initial appointment is made directly with the Director of Counseling Services, Carrie Torgerson, Ph.D., LCSW. Dr. Torgerson can be contacted by phone – 630-515-7142 or ctorge@midwestern.edu.
All inquiries are treated in a confidential manner. Counselors are available Monday through Friday.
Is there a limited amount of sessions with the Student Counselor?
You and your counselor will collaborate to determine the length of treatment based on your specific counseling needs. Students requiring more extensive therapy may be referred to providers outside the University.
Will my academic career or my career as a health care professional be jeopardized if I seek counseling?
No. Counseling services are strictly confidential. This means that no information about the identity or the nature of the concerns is released without the student’s written permission. Confidentiality may be breached to ensure safety under the following circumstances:
- physical danger to oneself
- physical danger to others
- any child or elder abuse or neglect
- a court order from a judge
The privacy of every student is highly regarded. Only the counselor knows students who seek counseling, unless given specific written permission to disclose information to particular individuals.
What can I expect in my counseling sessions?
Counseling is a confidential process designed to help you address your concerns, come to a greater understanding of yourself, and learn effective personal and interpersonal coping strategies. In addition, academic performance can be affected by personal or life concerns. It involves a relationship between you and a licensed mental health professional who has the training and skill to help you accomplish your individual goals. Counseling involves sharing sensitive, personal, and private information that may at times be distressing. During the course of counseling, there may be periods of increased anxiety and upset as concerns and issues are addressed. The outcome of counseling is often positive, however the level of satisfaction for any individual is not predictable.
What should I do if I think someone else may need counseling?
Listen to your friend’s concerns, assure your friend of confidentiality, the benefit of talking to someone, the strength it take to seek help, and encourage him or her to contact the Counseling Services office. If your friend refuses and you are still concerned, contact the Counseling Center, discuss your concerns, and a trained counselor will contact the student.
Where is the counseling center located?
The Counseling Center is located in Redwood Hall, Suite 102.
Why should I talk to the counselor? I know I’m not crazy.
Students who seek counseling are not “crazy.” Typically, students who talk to the counselor are experiencing stress. The curriculum for each college at Midwestern University is extremely rigorous, sometimes resulting in students feeling overwhelmed, anxious, fatigued, or stressed out. Students often report difficulty concentrating, sleeping, eating, as well as withdrawing from friends and/or family. Talking to an objective counselor can offer comfort, ideas, understanding, and strategies to manage the many challenges students face on and off-campus.