Practice Standards & Policies

The CCC reserves the right to assess clients and determine eligibility based on severity of symptoms, presence of threats or actions or history of behavior that might place members of the FGCU community or Counseling Center at risk, or need for services that exceed the Center’s scope of practice. Specifically, individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses or who pose a threat to safety for self or others are not appropriate for the services offered, as the Center does not provide comprehensive services such as on-call counselors, psychiatry or 24-hour crisis support.

Clients must provide 24 hours’ notice if they cannot attend a session. Clients who miss two sessions will be discharged and referred to other treatment and will not be eligible for services.

Clients who come for services under the influence or otherwise impaired will not be seen and referred to care appropriate to their condition.

FGCU prohibits the possession of firearms on University property. Anyone with a concealed weapons permit must comply and not possess a firearm or other weapon when visiting the campus.

Your right to privacy is important to us. We are required to hold everything you say in confidence, except as authorized by you in a signed release or as required by law. There are exceptions, which will be discussed with your counselor and will be identified should any such situations arise during your counseling sessions. We do not release any information without written client consent.

Potential exceptions by law are:

• If we believe you intend to seriously harm yourself.
• If we believe you intend to seriously harm others.
• If you discuss a situation where a child, dependent adult, or an elderly person appears to be at significant risk for abuse.
• If we are court-ordered by a judge to release records.

Counseling services are regularly assessed to enhance quality and effectiveness. Assessment information is also used for research studies and mental health advocacy. All information collected is confidential and any reports generated will not contain any identifiable client information.

The FGCU Community Counseling Center does not provide assessments for disability or legal issues, treatment for eating disorders, treatment for severe substance abuse or dependence, emergency services or frequent or severe crises, medication management, neuropsychological evaluation, intensive day-treatment and partial hospitalization services, or treatment for problems associated with a high risk of involvement in the legal system (e.g., violent or criminal behavior).

Counseling Center faculty or staff do not provide, prescribe, or make available any medication of any type.