Overview and Eligibility

Eligibility

Currently registered students are eligible for TCS services. Individuals who have the primary role of employee at Temple University who are taking classes will be referred to outside providers or the Employee Assistance Program. All members of the Temple community are welcome to use our online referral database [Referral Database] in order to access referrals to community providers.

Scope of Services

The counseling center provides eight main types of service: 

  1. Initial Consultation
  2. Resiliency Resource Center (RRC)
  3. Skills Groups (drop-in psychoeducational groups)
  4. Group Counseling
  5. Individual Counseling (usually brief treatment)
  6. Psychiatry (Evaluations and medication Management)
  7. Referral Services
  8. Consultation

Wait Time and Quick Access

TCS is dedicated to providing high quality services in a variety of formats. TCS staff have developed several services to provide quick access for students.  Satisfaction with these treatment approaches is high, based on a large number of students surveyed. These services fit flexibly into students busy schedules and students may use them as frequently and for as long as they like.  These services are:

Skills Groups are specifically designed to address anxiety and depression, and increase interpersonal effectiveness. Students referred to these groups can drop-in at convenient times without an appointment.

The Resiliency Resource Center (RRC) is a dedicated space within TCS where students can utilize a number of additional resources to address their concerns. The RRC has moved to a virtual platform and information can be found here. Interns assist students in using computer-based programs, biofeedback, bright light therapy, workbooks, chair massage, and a variety of other resources.   

Yoga and Meditation are increasingly being used to address issues such as anxiety and depression in counseling settings. Two counselors at TCS hold licensure as mental health practitioners and are certified yoga teachers. Most of these offerings are in a group format.

 

Limits to Scope of Services

The following are examples of services that a TCS counselor may not be able to provide:

  • Letters of support for medical withdrawal, academic considerations, emotional support animals, or other concerns without a prior treatment history at TCS or without sufficient time to gather pertinent information to make a recommendation. Only students who have a treatment history at TCS or who are in the process of registering for services may be provided with letters when enough information has been gathered, which may take several sessions. Writing letters is always at the discretion of the clinician.
  • Mandatory counseling including court ordered interventions after a DUI.
  • Fitness for Duty Evaluations.
  • Providing treatment to those who refuse or are unable to follow a recommended treatment plan. In this case referral options will be given.
  • Providing a level of care (i.e. more intensive) that is beyond what is recommended in an outpatient center, or specialized services that are not available at TCS. In these cases referral options will be given.
  • Long-term treatment or weekly individual sessions.

 

Just as we are mindful of the time commitment we make to you, it is greatly appreciated if you too are mindful of the time commitment when using counseling services.  If you must miss a scheduled appointment due to illness or some other reason, please contact your counselor or call the front desk, (215) 204-7276, as soon as you know you will not be able to come in.

During normal office hours, a counselor is available virtually for emergencies.  Psychiatric emergency services are available to students 24 hours a day at Temple's Crisis Response Center, located at Episcopal Hospital, call 215-707-2577

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is maintained in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Except for the counselors at TCS, no Temple faculty, staff or administrator has any access to student counseling records without written permission from the client, or in emergency situations as prescribed by law.