Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University is committed to the development of the whole person, therefore a highly trained and experienced counseling staff is available to help students with a variety of difficulties that might impact not only a student's academic work, but overall sense of well-being. University Counseling provides direct psychotherapy services, assessment of academic problems, and (with student consent) collaboration with faculty, administrative personnel, or parents to provide necessary supports for struggling students. Psychiatric consultation is also available.
Outreach to the Washington and Lee University Community is an important part of our mission. Throughout the year, University Counseling clinicians help with a variety of programs around campus, and are available to speak and collaborate with the programming efforts of University and student organizations.
The University Counseling Center can help you with adjustment issues, alcohol problems, anger management, anxiety, communication and listening skills, conflict resolution, crisis intervention and response, depression, eating problems, gender relations, grief, helping a friend, improving self-esteem, learning problems, minority student and diversity issues, peer counseling, perfectionism, sexual assault, sexual orientation and building a positive gay community, stress management, study skills, and wellness.
Confidentiality
With certain very limited exceptions, the fact that you come to counseling and the content of your therapy sessions are kept in the strictest of confidence. All University Counseling records are kept locked and separate from Student Health Center or other student records. No one, including the student's parents or Washington and Lee administration or faculty, can be informed about a students counseling without the consent and direction from a student.
One exception to confidentiality is when a student might present an imminent risk of harm to him or herself or others. The primary duty of a Counselor in such situations is to protect the student or others who might be in danger, and sometimes this required careful disclosure of information essential to prevent harm from occurring. The other exception occurs if a student discloses that a child or elderly person has been abused or neglected, which the law mandates must be reported.
