Counseling, most simply stated, is an interaction between a person who is "stuck" in some way and in need of help, and another person who is trained in helping people get "unstuck." The Counseling Center provides a safe place to talk with a professional about concerns or problems, no matter how minor or serious, which might interfere with personal growth and academic achievement. Students of every age and academic level come to SPS and receive help dealing with a broad range of concerns. Personal counseling is provided to individuals or couples to help students with a wide variety of problems including but not limited anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and substance abuse.

Individual Counseling:

Counseling approaches are tailored to fit the student's individual needs. Treatment modalities typically cover the range of supportive, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic approaches. Generally, counseling tends to be short-term focused on stabilization and assisting students to return to their normal functioning. Sometimes students presenting with more complex issues require longer-term therapy. Treatment options including referral are made on a case-by-case basis and take into account such variables as the nature o fthe specific issues, student's desire for change, available resources at the Counseling Center, and available student resources for private referral. For more information regarding Individual Counseling, please click here.

Couples Counseling:

Relationships are important to all of us and add fulfillment and exhilaration to life. Sometimes, however, relationships go through difficult times, bringing stress, sadness, and challenge. All relationships go through cycles and changes as they grow and develop over time. Couples may need support as they navigate the developmental challenges that are a natural part of a growing relationship. Staff at the Counseling Center are available to help couples assess their relationship strengths and establish goals for the future while addressing present difficulties. For more information regarding Couples Counseling, please click here.

Group Counseling:

Each Semester, the Counseling Center offers a variety of groups. There are groups that focus on a wide range of personal and academic issues - including - disseration support, KBO, coming out, LGBT concerns, students in recovery, recovery from sexual assault/abuse, stress management, and more. To find out more information regarding the types of groups offered this semester, to express interest in groups that are forming or request additional groups, click here.

Substance Abuse Assessment and Counseling:

Like other universities, the use of alcohol and other drugs is common at NCSU and is, for many students, an intrinsic part of the social scene. This often makes it difficult to tell when a student has a substance abuse problem, as opposed to social drinking and recreational drug use. Similar to older adults who abuse substances, students are often quick to deny a problem with alcohol and/or drugs and may refuse to seek help even when confronted with clear evidence of their problem. Thus, many students who seek help at the Counseling Center for substance abuse are referred after a judicial or legal infraction. The Counseling Center employs one substance abuse specialist who counsels and evaluates students with these concerns. A student with a suspected problem can be assessed by this specialist and then referred to an appropriate alcohol/drug treatment program. For more information regarding the Substance Abuse Services offered at the Counseling Center, click here.

Psychiatric Evaluation and Services:

Psychiatric Services is one of the treatment options available to you as a NCSU Student through the Counseling Center. There are psychaitrists on staff which serve as consultants to the Professional Staff and the students. Students wishing to consider medication or students needing medication management will first need to be seen by a Counselor. The Counselor will then arrange for the evaluation by the Psychiatrist. Please click here for more information on the Psychiatric Services provided at the Counseling Center.