Questions About Counseling

Are counseling services confidential? 

Counseling is confidential.  Counseling records are not part of a student's academic records. Because counseling is most effective when a student can be direct and honest with a counselor, without fear that personal information will be divulged, the Counseling Center does not release information about a student without the student's written permission, except in the following cases:

• imminent danger to self or others
• child/dependent abuse  
• court order
• otherwise required by law

As noted above counseling records are not part of academic records, and no one has access to them except the staff of the Norfolk State University Counseling Center. 

How much does counseling cost?

Counseling services are free of charge to students. There are no limits placed on the number of sessions that a student can attend at the Counseling Center.  We encourage students to take the opportunity to use our services while they are enrolled at NSU. 

Who should attend counseling?

Everyone needs someone to talk with at times. Attending counseling makes sense when you are having trouble coping with a stressful situation or solving a personal problem. It offers support, new perspectives, and help considering possible solutions.

What types of concerns are addressed in counseling?

Some of the problems that students address in counseling include but are not limited to:

• Relationship problems with family, friends, romantic partner, or roommate
• Problems with stress and anxiety
• Coping with the loss of a family member or friend
• Self-esteem and self-confidence
• Traumas, such as rape, assault, robbery or other crises
• Time management issues
• Alcohol and drug related problems
• Adjusting to school
• Communication with faculty and staff
• Depression
• Anger problems

How does counseling work?

Counseling is a growth process through which students are helped to define goals, make decisions, and solve problems related to personal, social, academic, and career concerns. Students collaborate with their counselor to define problems that they wish to address and to find solutions to these problems.

How long does counseling take?

The length of counseling depends on the problems and the goals. Often a situational problem or concern about a friend may require only one or two sessions. More substantial crises or recurring problems usually take more time. There are no limits placed on the number of sessions that students can attend while enrolled at NSU.

Address:     309 Godwin Student Center
Phone:         (757) 823-8173
Fax:             (757) 823-2237
Hours:          8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

  After Hours: Call 823-8102 for assistance 

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