The counselors at the Gordon State College Counseling Services office adhere to the standard of confidentiality set forth by Georgia law, as well as by their respective professional standards and ethical codes (i.e. the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists).
Information shared in counseling is confidential and no record that you sought counseling services will be placed on your transcript. You must sign a "Consent to Release Information" form in order for any information regarding your counseling sessions to be provided to a 3rd party.
Exceptions to the Confidentiality Policy do sometimes occur under certain circumstances. These exceptions include: 1) You want your counseling records released to a 3rd party and sign a Release of Information form, 2 You make imminent threats to the safety and well- being of yourself and/or others, or 3) When abuse, neglect or exploitation of children or adults who are vulnerable due to physical or mental impairment or advanced age is suspected by the counselor.
Case Management
Monitoring
Students referred to Counseling by concerned faculty or staff may be contacted by a counselor to provide emotional support and information on services available.
Counselors may follow up with a student to discuss any new needs or review on-going progress. Students who do not show up for an appointment, or who cancel multiple times, will be contacted by email.
Counselors may follow up with a student following a referral to determine if the referral met the needs of the student.
Crisis Management
Counselors may assess a student's ability to cope during and/or following a crisis.
Counselors may develop an action plan to address a student's current needs.
Counselors may coordinate care for students with on and off campus supports.
Behavioral Health
Under some circumstances, counselors may be asked by the Vice President of Student Affairs to provide assistance with coordination of care following a student's inpatient or outpatient hospitalization, for a behavioral health related diagnosis.
Counselors may be asked to assist members of the Behavioral Intervention Team with assessment of a student, following inpatient or outpatient treatment, for a behavioral health related diagnosis.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Office of Counseling and Accessibility Services (CAS) is a welcoming, caring, and supportive place for all students including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer (LGBTQ) and straight students. The CAS office is a "Safe Space" for all, no matter a student’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. CAS proudly displays a "Safe Space" sticker on the office’s entrance to highlight the office’s support of LGBTQ students at Gordon State College.