Frequently Asked Questions

For Students

I am in an emergency situation or experiencing a crisis - what should I do?

If you are in an emergency situation where danger is imminent and immediate help is required, call 911 or the Pitt Police at 412-624-2121.

If you are experiencing a crisis that requires immediate attention you may speak with a counselor at any time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During regular business hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm), students may visit the Wellness Center. After business hours, please call 412-648-7930 and select option #1 to speak to the after-hours counselor. You may also call the Pitt Police at 412-624-2121.

View additional Crisis Resources.

How do I access services at the UCC?

The best way to access UCC services is to visit the Wellness Center during Drop-In hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. You will meet with a UCC counselor to discuss current concerns, identify your needs and develop a collaborative plan.

What should I expect from my first visit?

When you visit or call the UCC seeking support for the first time, you will be asked to complete initial paperwork and provide some basic information about yourself and your concerns.  Once you've completed the paperwork, you will meet with a clinician who will get an understanding of your current needs, gather a brief history about you, and collaborate with you to develop a plan which will outline the next steps. The next steps may include:

• Review educational resources
• Complete an online treatment module
• Connect with campus and/or community resources
• Participate in a skill-development workshop or group therapy
• Engage in short-term individual therapy

In the event of an emergency or crisis, UCC can also support a student in connecting to an emergency/urgent care services in the community, such as re:solve Crisis Network or Western Psychiatric Hospital.

How do I get help when the UCC is closed?

After business hours, please call 412-648-7930 and select option #1 to speak to the after-hours counselor.

You can also contact re:solve Crisis Network, a local crisis agency staffed with professional mental health clinicians  24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You can call them at 1-888-796-8226 or visit their facility at 333 North Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208.

If you are in an emergency situation where danger is imminent and immediate help is required, call 911 or the Pitt Police at 412-624-2121.

Am I eligible to receive services at the UCC?

All students (undergraduate and graduate) enrolled at the University, registered for classes and having paid the Wellness Fee, are eligible for our services. Faculty and staff are eligible for consultation and outreach services only. Our services are free for enrolled students. Please note: psychological assessment services are offered for a fee.

During the summer, University students not registered for classes during the summer term, but who were registered for classes the previous spring term and plan to register for classes for the fall term and who have paid the Summer Wellness Fee, are eligible for services.

Please note that we do not accept referrals for court-mandated assessment or clinical services.

What is the cost?

UCC services are free for all enrolled students who have paid the Wellness Fee. Please note: psychological assessment services are offered for a fee.

Is there a session limit?

There are no session limits.

Are my UCC records confidential?

Yes. UCC complies with HIPAA regulations regarding confidentiality. All of our services are confidential. We honor a student’s right to confidentiality, except when specified by law.

What are the exceptions to confidentiality under the law?

UCC honors exceptions to confidentiality as defined by law:

• When a student is a danger to self or others.
• When child abuse is suspected.
• When abuse to the elderly or the disabled is suspected.
• When UCC is court-ordered to release the records.

At all other times, a student must provide a written release of confidential information.

Will my counseling records be part of my academic records?

No, counseling records are not part of your academic record.

Will you tell my parents if I'm coming to the UCC?

The UCC can neither confirm nor deny if a student is receiving services at UCC, even when well-intentioned third parties inquire. This information can only be shared with a third-party if a student provides written consent to do so, except when specified by law.

Can the UCC provide me with documentation about my mental health?

We do not provide documentation to support a reduction in academic course load, academic accommodations, withdrawal from classes, or grade adjustments (e.g., I or G grades) to new clients. If you require such documentation, you are advised to obtain letters of support from mental health professionals or medical providers who have been involved directly in your mental health care for the relevant time period. We may provide documentation regarding your mental health only when you have been receiving on-going treatment at the UCC during the relevant time period.

We also do not provide documentation for Emotional Support Animals.

I have a question that isn't covered here. Where can I get more information?

Please call the University Counseling Center at 412-648-7930.

For Families & Guardians

I’ve been trying to encourage my child to make a counseling appointment but he/she doesn’t want to go. How can I encourage him/her to get the needed help?

After listening to your adult child’s thoughts and feelings in a sensitive, nonjudgmental way, you can instill hope by helping them to realize that there are options for help, and that things will not always appear so difficult. Tell them that you believe that using resources like counseling is a sign of strength and maturity, rather than a sign of weakness or failure. Give information about the counseling service and prepare them for what to expect. If a student is simply not ready to use professional counseling services, suggest other resources like Residence Life staff, chaplains, friends or other trusted adults as a first step in addressing concerns. You can always consult with a UCC professional about your specific concerns.

My child is afraid to come to the Counseling Center because the information about the visit will appear on their school record? Is that correct?

No, mental health records are not part of academic records.

I want to make an appointment for my child but was told that I could not. Why not?

We require all students to make their own appointments. Students who make their own appointments are already taking the first step towards a positive therapeutic relationship by demonstrating their readiness to engage in therapy.

Do you need special permission for treatment if my child is under 18-years-old?

No. In Pennsylvania, the Minors Consent to Treatment Act establishes that high school graduates, regardless of age, are able to consent to their own treatment without the notification, involvement, or consent of their parents or guardians.

I think my child is in danger and is currently experiencing an emergency - what should I do?

If you’re worried that your child is in immediate danger, we encourage you to call the Pitt Police at (412) 624-2121 to check on them.

If you don’t think there is an imminent threat to your child’s safety, you can contact the UCC at 412-648-7930, or re:solve Crisis Network, a local crisis agency.

Find more information on Getting Help for Someone Else.

How can I find out if my child/student is receiving services at the UCC?

The UCC can neither confirm nor deny if a student is receiving services at UCC, even when well-intentioned third parties inquire. This information can only be shared with a third-party if a student provides written consent to do so.

I have a question that isn't covered here. Where can I get more information?

Please call the University Counseling Center at 412-648-7930.