At times, students may require mental health services that reach beyond the scope of practice of the Marshall University Counseling Center. In such situations, we provide appropriate referrals to community resources, while still providing support for students along the way. We are sensitive to the fact that some students require greater needs than others and we do our best, within our ethical duty, to balance this reality with our responsibilities as a university counseling center.
If we believe that a student’s needs for services go beyond our ability to meet these needs, we will offer referral information for treatment providers, agencies, or organizations that might be able to meet this need. If a student or parent has questions about the center’s scope of practice, they are encouraged to contact the Director at 304-696-2269 or e-mail counselingcenter@marshall.edu
After a referral and completion of registration and consent paperwork, students are scheduled an intake appointment. Due to the fact that it may take up to two weeks to receive an intake appointment, students are welcome to attend the counseling center walk-in clinic, Let’s Talk groups, workshops, or attend evening or weekend walk-in with the Counselor in Residence until the intake appointment.
Student symptomatology and functioning is assessed and they are placed in one of the following four levels. The services level helps to provide a scope and plan of care and a severity level for counselors. All students are provided treatment plan goals and objectives that guide treatment.
Level 1- The student presents with symptomatology that are sufficient for a DSM-V diagnosis and is actively suicidal with intent or presents with suicidal ideation – weekly to bi-weekly appointments. Students will also be referred for psychiatric services through the counseling center at Marshall Psychiatry. Students in this level of treatment may be referred for an emergency psychiatric assessment in the community and possible hospitalization if voluntary. If students refuse a voluntary assessment, it may be necessary for a counselor to file for a mental hygiene warrant. A mental hygiene warrant will only be filed in extreme cases and if the student presents a harm to self and/or others on campus.
Level 2- The student presents with symptomatology that is sufficient for a DSM-V diagnosis. Students will be provided bi-weekly sessions and may be referred for psychiatric services.
Level 3– The student presents with symptomatology, but symptoms are not great enough in severity or duration to warrant a DSM-V diagnosis. Students will be provided bi-weekly to monthly services with a Mental Health Specialist in the center. This may be supplemented with supportive counseling services.
Level 4- The student presents with stressors and minimal to no symptomatology. Students in this level will be provided supportive counseling in our daily walk-in clinic.