Each individual is entitled to privacy in his/her work with a counselor. All of your contacts with your counselor are confidential to the Counseling Services professional staff. Written permission is required for Counseling Services to release information to others outside the Counseling Services. A court order may require an exception to the lawful protection of individual legal rights to privileged communication with a counselor or psychiatrist.
If it becomes clear in the counseling session that there is a real danger to oneself or to others, we are required to take action. Also, reports of abuse of children or others unable to care for themselves will also require some action to be taken. Confidentiality laws do not apply in these cases.
A record is kept of an individual's work with us. It contains information individuals have provided to us in writing as well as counseling notes of individual sessions. The record remains in Counseling Services for a period of seven years following an individual's last visit. After this time, the entire file is destroyed. Counseling Services files never become a part of the permanent SIUE educational record.
Additional records of sessions are sometimes taken such as the counselor's personal notes and audio tapes. These are destroyed in a timely manner and do not become part of an individual's counseling record.
If you have questions about confidentiality and your privacy, please talk with a counselor.
A. Student complaints are handled largely through the existing chain of command. Given the existing laws regarding confidentiality and psychological/health services, a therapist/health service provider is restricted in terms of what he or she can disclose. If a student has a complaint about an employee or consultant of Counseling Services or Health Service, he or she is directed to speak with that employee’s director, or if necessary, the immediate supervisor of the employee. The complaint should initially be lodged informally by speaking with someone in the department. However, the complaint can be lodged more formally in writing first to the Director within five (5) working days of the incident. The written complaint or grievance should include a description of the incident, date, time, and persons involved in the complaint.
B. The director shall then respond to the grievance in writing within five (5) working days of the date that the grievance was signed and filed. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of that discussion or response, he or she is directed to the next higher level of administration. In each case, careful consideration is given to the emotional stress the student may already be in as well as any complications arising from a possible mental or physical illness. If a complaint comes from a non-student, it is handled administratively first by the director, then by the Associate Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs, and finally, if necessary, the Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs. The Director reserves the right to consult with the General Counsel of the University around issues or complaints that may have legal implications. Documentation of a student complaint would become part of the confidential record.
C. If the student is not satisfied with his or her current therapist or health care provider, he or she can select another therapist within the department at no charge or accept a referral to another provider outside the university. Any costs incurred by the student seeking these services outside of the university are not covered by the university.
D. Any complaints, if found to have merit, will be used in the supervision of the employee involved to improve the person’s skills and function. If the complaint is significant, the student may take legal action as prescribed by current statutes. Each week the clinical staff meets in a case conference to discuss problematic cases to insure quality of service to the student.
This information is being provided to all SIUE students and employees as mandated by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. Information concerning applicable legal sanctions under state, local, and federal laws for the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol, health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, and alcohol and drug prevention and treatment resources is provided.
For students, the “Student Conduct Code” publication defines social misconduct to include: violations of University policies and regulations, local ordinances, and state and federal laws which include, without limitation, the manufacture, sale, or distribution, and/or unauthorized possession and use of controlled substances or alcohol. Violation of the above regulations will result in sanctions up to and including permanent separation from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Employees are also expected to comply with all applicable laws.
Serious health risks are associated with the abuse of alcohol and the use of illicit drugs. There is a risk of overdose with all drugs. Overdose can cause coma, convulsions, psychosis, or death. Long term use of drugs can lead to organ damage, malnutrition, and mental problems. Certain combinations of drugs, such as alcohol and barbiturates, can be lethal. Long term heavy alcohol use and binge drinking may result in respiratory arrest and death. Liver disease, heart disease, circulatory problems, peptic ulcers, some forms of cancer, and irreversible brain damage may increase with long term heavy drinking of alcohol.
Students may obtain information and referral services from SIUE Counseling Services at 618-650-2197. Employees can obtain information and referral services from Magellan Behavior Health at 1-866-659-3848 or:
http://www.magellanhealth.com
For further information please see these websites for the official adopted policies of the University:
http://www.siue.edu/policies/6c1.shtml
http://www.siue.edu/policies/6c2.shtml
http://www.siue.edu/policies/6c3.shtml
After a counselor has established an ongoing therapeutic relationship with a student and has thoroughly assessed his or her situation, the counselor will decide whether medication may be an appropriate treatment option. Counseling Services has a part-time psychiatrist on staff to address the medication needs of current clients. The psychiatrist provides services only to eligible clients referred by a counselor at Counseling Services. Students who want medication are not eligible to see the psychiatrist at Counseling Services unless they are ongoing clients at Counseling Services. If a client discontinues counseling, he or she will no longer be eligible for psychiatric care at Counseling Services.