Frequently Asked Questions
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Appointment No Show Policy
To provide you the best possible care and increase access for all our patients, please cancel your appointment at least two hours in advance, so that others may have the opportunity to be seen. Appointments may be cancelled on the patient portal, via phone, or in person. If you fail to cancel within two hours, or are more than 15 minutes late, or fail to come to the appointment at all, you will be considered a “no show.” As of October 1, 2017, there will be a $25 charge per “no-show.” This policy applies to appointments with medical providers, counselors, or dietitians.
This does not apply to appointments for immunizations, TB skin tests, or medical clearance.
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Inclement weather closings and appointments
In the event of inclement weather, Student Counseling Services will follow the general University closing directives (if classes are cancelled, Student Counseling Services will close and your appointment will be cancelled). Student Counseling Services is NOT considered “a clinic” or “medical services.” When University operations re-open, you may contact the office during regular business hours - (205) 934-5816 - to reschedule your appointment. If you experience a mental health emergency and need immediate assistance, please go to the nearest emergency department or contact 911 or the UAB Police Department (205) 934-3535. 24-hour crisis talk lines are available by calling the Birmingham Crisis Line (205) 323-7777 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255.
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Can I schedule my counseling appointments online?
You cannot schedule counseling appointments on the Patient Portal; however, you can cancel appointments through the Patient Portal. Schedule an appointment in person (at Student Counseling Services) or by calling (205) 936-5816.
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Can I schedule more than one appointment at a time?
At present, you can schedule one appointment at a time.
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What if I can’t make my appointment?
To provide you the best possible care and increase access for all our patients, please cancel your appointment at least two hours in advance, so that others may have the opportunity to be seen. Appointments may be cancelled on the patient portal, via phone, or in person. If you fail to cancel within two hours, or are more than 15 minutes late, or fail to come to the appointment at all, you will be considered a “no show.” As of October 1, 2017, there will be a $25 charge per “no-show.”
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How often can I see a counselor?
You and your counselor will negotiate the frequency of your counseling sessions (based on your needs and circumstances).
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What if I can’t make my scheduled counseling appointment?
Whenever possible, contact Student Counseling Services to cancel your appointment ahead of your scheduled appointment time. When this is not possible, as in emergency situations, contact Student Counseling Services or your counselor as soon as possible to discuss options for rescheduling an appointment.
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How do I get in touch with my counselor between appointments?
You can message your counselor through the Patient Portal or speak to them by phone - (205) 934-5816.
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Can I request a particular counselor?
Our Intake Coordinator makes efforts to honor requests for specific counselors; however, schedulers also consider your availability, presenting issue(s), and the urgency of the situation when matching you with a counselor.
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Can I switch counselors?
You have the option to switch counselors if you need to. In these cases, we strongly encourage you to speak with your current counselor about this decision. Note: students cannot switch counselors for the sole purpose of getting an earlier appointment.
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Are my counseling records part of my academic record?
Counseling records are not part of your academic records and are securely maintained by our center’s server.
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Can I work at Student Counseling Services if I have been a client there?
In an effort to preserve appropriate boundaries, Student Counseling Services does not hire (or grant internships to) former or current clients.
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Do counselors evaluate for ADHD?
Counselors do not formally evaluate ADHD or neurodevelopmental /neurocognitive disorders. Your counselor can refer you to someone who does.
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Do counselors provide documentation for me to get a comfort/emotional support animal?
Student Counseling Services does not provide documentation for comfort or emotional support animals.
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Can my counselor write medication prescriptions?
None of our counselors are able to write prescriptions for psychotropic (or other) medications; however, Student Counseling Services partners with several medical and psychiatric departments on campus (including Student Health Services). Your counselor can help you establish care with a medical provider, if needed.
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Can my counselor write me an excuse for class?
Counselors cannot write class excuses, as you are expected to schedule counseling appointments around your academic schedule. However, counselors can provide documentation stating when you were seen for counseling.
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Can my counselor help me with my DSS application or with a medical withdrawal?
When appropriate, counselors can provide documentation in support of disability accommodations and medical withdrawals. If you are considering requesting documentation from your counselor for either situation, speak with your counselor (as soon as possible) about Student Counseling Services’ letter writing practices, protocols, and expected timelines for providing letters. Note: The process of providing this kind of documentation usually lasts several weeks, as your counselor will need time to complete related assessments and compile results of these assessments into letter form.
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Is it appropriate to communicate about a death in the UAB community?
Information Sharing Regarding Death on Campus
In the event of a death on campus, communication is important and should be handled carefully, accurately and sensitively.
In official UAB communications, top priorities are to respect the dignity and privacy of the deceased and the family while safeguarding the security and wellbeing of our campus community. If a public statement is necessary in social or traditional media, University Relations will confirm facts and provide the appropriate statement.
If the family of the deceased has not been notified, UAB will not confirm details publicly unless extenuating circumstances make such disclosures absolutely necessary. If the family of the deceased asks that we do not disclose details (e.g., name or cause of death), we will honor the family’s wishes.
A statement may read, simply: “UAB Police confirm a student has died. No foul play is suspected. We are working with police and the student’s family to provide support. No further information is available at this time.” However, if it is believed that details would benefit the campus community, and the family approves of such disclosures, additional information may be shared.
UAB offers counseling services to students, faculty and staff. Anyone struggling with a death is encouraged to take advantage of those resources.
- UAB Student Counseling Services: 205-934-5816
- UAB Employee Assistance and Counseling Center: 205-934-2281
Threats to campus and instructions will be communicated via the B-Alert emergency notification system. Update your B-Alert profile at www.uab.edu/emergency.
We encourage the UAB community to demonstrate sensitivity in what information you may share about a death on campus by:
- Following the institution’s lead in the extent of information shared in social media
- Minimizing speculation or the spread of inaccurate information
- Encouraging classmates and colleagues to take advantage of counseling and support services