How can counseling services benefit me?
Counseling Services can help you find a satisfactory major if you are undecided or changing majors. It may also help you to resolve personal issues or psychological problems that may interfere with your success as a student.
Examples of such issues include the following:
- Academic Major/Career Choices
- Academic Difficulties
- Family Issues
- Irritability/Anger
- Depression
- Self-Confidence/Self Esteem
- Sexual Concerns
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Stress/Anxiety
- Suicidal Feelings/Behavior
What types of counseling services are provided?
Personal Counseling
One-on-one confidential counseling is available to assist students with a variety of concerns. Our counselors can help you to learn how to manage personal concerns that interfere with your goals and how to sharpen your problem-solving skills. These may include depression, relationship issues, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma and others.
Career Counseling
Career indecision is resolved through exploring a student's background, interests, and goals as they relate to career satisfaction. A variety of assessments such as the Strong Interest Inventory, O*Net, or Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator are available to assist in this process.
Educational Counseling
Learning how to be successful in college is an important key for students. Our counselors can help students in exploring their educational goals, motivation, and attitudes. Students receive help in planning general educational goals and tying them to career goals.
Group Counseling
Groups offer students a supportive and stimulating environment to explore common issues of concern. Typical groups may include personal growth, assertiveness training, stress and/or test anxiety. Contact the Student Services Center at ext. 267 for the status and availability of current or upcoming groups.
Outreach/Presentation Service
Our counselors can provide workshops on the many barriers that may affect a student’s performance. Attending workshops can help students make more effective life transitions; balance roles, time commitments, family responsibilities and work obligations; and assist with life planning. Programs may include stress management, human potential, communication skills, assertiveness training and many others.
Can the counselors help me with concerns that are not necessarily related to my education or career?
Yes. The counselors can help with a variety of personal concerns including problems adjusting to college life, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, maladaptive eating, etc. They can also refer you to outside resources should it become necessary.
Are the counselors qualified to help me with serious issues?
Yes. Our counselors all hold master’s degrees in their fields and some hold professional licenses and certificates.
How much will I have to pay for counseling services?
Nothing. Students and faculty at RCC receive these services for free. However, there is a small fee of $10 to $15 for career and personality testing.
Is what we talk about in counseling confidential?
Absolutely. All Richland students are covered under the "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act" ("FERPA") that prohibits Richland Community College from disclosing information to anyone, including parents, without the student's written consent. No information will be released about you without written permission.
Does Richland offer any type of psychological tests to help me figure out what to do with my life?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory are the most commonly used tests offered in the Career Center. The MBTI is a test that can provide you with a better understanding of your personality. It takes about thirty minutes to complete and costs $15. The SII is a career test that can help clarify your career interests and suggest potential jobs that match your interests. It takes about forty-five minutes to complete and costs $10. After taking a test, you schedule an appointment with a counselor that will last about forty-five minutes to go over your results.
Are there other assessments I can use to help clarify my goals?
The Self-Directed Search (SDS)
The Self-Directed Search (SDS) is a paper/pencil assessment. It is used to help you clarify and identify your occupational interests. It comes in booklet form. Plan to spend thirty to forty-five minutes completing the SDS and thirty to forty-five minutes with a counselor discussing the results. Cost: $5.00
The California Personality Inventory (CPI)
The California Personality Inventory (CPI) was developed over 40 years ago as a dynamic and objective measurement of personality and behavior. The CPI provides an accurate, complex portrait of a client's professional and personal style. The CPI presents detailed insights into personality when used in a comprehensive assessment program. It describes a student as a close, knowledgeable, and objective friend would and is successfully used with adults to develop their work and personal lives. Cost: $10.00
Where can I find the above assessments?
All of the assessments above are available in the Career Center located in Room C129. Call (217) 875-7211, Ext. 307 to schedule a time to use any of the resources or assessments.
How can I make an appointment to see a counselor?
To schedule an appointment for counseling services, you may visit the Student Services Center or call (217) 875-7211, Ext. 267. Appointments are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
How often can I come for counseling?
The frequency and number of appointments will be determined during consultation with your counselor. We provide short term counseling and make referrals to community agencies for long term counseling.
Who is eligible for counseling services?
Counseling services are available to all students, faculty, and staff.
