Accessing Counseling Services

All currently enrolled Xavier students are eligible to be seen in Counseling Services. Counseling Services utilizes an evidenced based practice plan. After the initial evaluation, treatment options offered could include short-term personal counseling, psychotherapy, couple/group counseling.  Should a Xavier student require counseling or psychological services beyond those offered by Counseling Services; the clinicians will work with the student to identify community resources to meet their needs.

Eligibility

Eligibility to receive care in Counseling Services is determined by enrollment status.

Students are eligible for treatment as defined below:

• Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the university during fall, spring and summer semesters.
• Graduates of the current year may receive limited services after the last day of class for assistance with transition of care to a community provider if needed.
• Partnered students enrolled in a contractual academic program with the university.

Xavier Faculty/Staff, Partner Program Employees are eligible for limited access as defined below:

• Faculty/staff and Partner Program Employees are eligible for acute crisis emergency intervention. 
• Xavier Faculty/staff who require on-going care will be referred to Human Resources for information on employee assistance programs available to them.
• Partner Program Employees who require on-going care will consult with their Human Resources regarding employee assistance programs available to them through their employer.

How do I access Counseling services?

If you have not been seen in Counseling Services before, you will start by calling 504-520-7315 to schedule your first appointment.

• During the initial evaluation you will complete a packet called the intake packet.
• Once done a professional counselor will speak with you for about 30-50 minutes to listen to your needs and concerns and determine which services will be most helpful in meeting those needs.
• At the end of your consultation, your counselor will make recommendations based on your treatment needs.
• It is important that you arrive on time, so that there is sufficient time for you to fill out forms, your counselor to review them, and for you to receive the amount of time needed for your initial evaluation.
• The forms you'll complete include information for you to read about Counseling Services, your contact information, as well as information about yourself and why you are seeking counseling. This initial assessment will provide you with the opportunity to talk confidentially with a counselor about your immediate concerns.
• Some people meet their counseling goals in a single session visit, while others may be seen for a few. The counselor will work with you to formulate an action plan specific to you.
• If you are interested in relationship counseling and have never been to Counseling Services and is currently not working with a Counseling Services counselor, please follow the same steps above. Your partner should be present for the initial consultation. If you are currently in individual counseling, please contact your counselor directly and they will initiate a referral for couples counseling.

If group counseling is recommended:

Group therapy provides a safe and confidential place to share and explore your concerns as well as receive support around various issues. Group is a natural extension of the way we live and interact with others and empowers group members to give and receive feedback and support as they experiment with new ways of being. Some groups are population and/or issue specific, while other groups consist of skill building and experiential learning. See Group Therapy for more information.

If individual therapy is recommended:

During your consultation, you may be scheduled to return for a first appointment. Because your appointment may need to be rescheduled if you are late, please let us know if you have concerns about the time you are scheduled for. Individual counseling provides you with the opportunity to work one-on-one with a counselor. The counselor can assist you in helping to understand yourself and the world around you. Areas that are often addressed in counseling may include support in resolving an issue, recovering from an upsetting or traumatic experience, exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, learning difficulties, and relationships with others. Goals for counseling may include relief of symptoms, improved social and academic functioning, and increased insight. Our goal is to provide an open, supportive, and confidential environment for you to address the issues that are concerning you.

If relationship counseling is recommended:

Counseling Services Relationship Counseling can include you and your partner(s), friend(s), or roommate(s). The aim of relationship counseling is to help the parties of a relationship recognize and better deal appropriately with their immediate problems and to learn better ways of relating in general. Relationship counseling is useful for people who are experiencing problems such as repetitive arguments, feelings of distance or emptiness in the relationship, pervasive feelings of anger, resentment and or dissatisfaction, or lack of interest in affection or in a physical relationship with one another.

If you are concerned about another student:

If you are worried about a friend or another Xavier student, you can talk with a counselor in Counseling Services during our hour of operation. The counselor can help you decide what steps make the most sense given your situation.

Contact Us

Office of Counseling Services

St. Joseph Academic & Health Resource Center

Building #13, Room 202

Office: 504-520-7315

Fax: 504-520-7943

Mailing Address

​1 Drexel Drive
P.O. Box D
New Orleans, LA 70125

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

After 5:00 pm - By Appointments Only