The Furman Counseling Center takes steps to ensure that students get the care they need, when they need it, in the safest way possible. Scroll down to learn about the safety precautions we have adopted.
Internet-accessible intake forms
To allow students to access services without needing to physically enter the Counseling Center, we are ensuring students can access our forms from their personal devices. We will send students a link to these forms prior to their first scheduled appointment.
Telehealth sessions always available
During the pandemic, the Counseling Center transitioned to telehealth as our primary mode of service delivery. Now that we’re back on campus, we will continue to offer these services for students who are ill on the day of their scheduled appointment.
Our telehealth sessions take place on Microsoft Teams or TAO Zoom, both HIPAA-compliant platforms that all students can access. Before telehealth sessions, we ask that students complete an online “informed consent” form, which asks for a contact number, the student’s physical location during the session, and an emergency contact.
For students who do not have a private place to sit during their telehealth sessions, the Counseling Center will offer private, one-person-occupancy rooms.
Expanded self-help options
The Counseling Center’s website now includes links to a wealth of self-help resources, including crisis support numbers and text lines, apps that teach mindfulness and relaxation, apps that teach skills for managing anxiety and depression, and podcasts and articles about mental health during the pandemic.
Students also have access to Therapy Assistance Online (TAO), which combines online and mobile educational modules and practice tools with short phone conversations or video conferences with a therapist.
Occupancy limits
We do not currently have an occupancy limit but we will follow CDC guidelines, if and when a guideline is recommended.
Social distancing
We have arranged seating in the Counseling Center waiting room and offices to provide comfort. We will follow CDC guidelines, if and when a guideline is recommended in the future.
Personal protective equipment
Staff, counselors and students may choose to wear masks at the Counseling Center. Extra masks will be available in the waiting area. Hand sanitizer will be available in several places throughout the Center.
Shorter sessions
To reduce potential exposure in offices, the Counseling Center will (when clinically appropriate) limit in-person sessions to 30 minutes.
Cleaning between in-person sessions
The Counseling Center will space in-person sessions to allow time for cleaning and disinfection between sessions as needed.