Counseling and Student Accessibility Services

Welcome to the Department of Counseling and Student Accessibility Services at Albany State University. As a unit within the Division of Student Affairs, our purpose is to support the mission of the Division and University by assisting students in their total development through student-centered programs, resources, and services that foster development, growth, and holistic well-being.

Our department is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for students of all belief systems and identities. We strive to provide timely and culturally responsive care that recognizes the intersectionality of ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of identify that comprise the lived experiences of our diverse students.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services provides a range of free and confidential resources for currently enrolled students who are at least 18 years of age and older. Professional staff assist students in identifying challenges and developing skills that empower you to develop broader insight, strengthen emotional resilience, create positive change in your lives, and be successful in your academic and personal endeavors. Our team of highly qualified, licensed counselors utilize a a Stepped Care Model/Brief and Focused Treatment Model to provide customized mental health services and recommendations for each student who walks through the door. Students often assume their only option for support is individual counseling. The Stepped Care Framework ultimately ensures that students engage the right level of service or support as their needs change over time.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services is committed to ensuring universal access for students with diagnosed disabilities who qualify for admissions. We strive to promote a welcoming environment and ensure that students with diagnosed disabilities are provided the tools they need to fully access all aspects of student life inside and outside the classroom. Accessibility Services provides reasonable academic, dining, and housing accommodations in accordance with federal and state laws regarding individuals with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as Amended in 2008 and Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended (Rehab Act) defines a person with a disability as one with a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (breathing, communicating, eating, hearing, learning, seeing, speaking, walking, working, and others). The person must have a record of such impairment or be regarded as having such impairment.

Students must submit qualifying documentation of their disability from an appropriate evaluator to Accessibility Services as required by the University System of Georgia Disability Documentation Guidelines. Paperwork such as Individualized Education Plans (IEP's), 504 Plans, and psychological evaluations over three years old may be used as guides; however, they may not be accepted as valid forms of disability documentation at the University level.

Professional staff work directly with students to review documentation, assess individual disability-related needs, and develop reasonable, individualized accommodation plans to facilitate access to courses, programs, and facilities at ASU. Students are required to self-identify their disability and need for accommodations by making contact with the Accessibility Services office. Accessibility Services personnel will not seek out students with disabilities.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality of services is very important to us. Counseling and accessibility records are protected and privileged by federal and state laws and by professional standards and ethics. This means that they are completely separate from educational records and cannot be accessed by parents, administrators, faculty, staff, or others without students' prior expressed written consent or court order.

Confidentiality also prohibits CSAS staff from confirming or denying that a student has made an appointment or attended sessions. Our staff recognize that this may be difficult for those concerned about a student; however, our duty is first and foremost to our students, and we must maintain confidentiality consistent with our professional guidelines. Client and student information may be discussed by staff within the center for treatment, administrative, supervisory, and training purposes. Please note, there are limited exceptions where mental health professionals can legally and ethically break confidentiality without the client's consent:

The student is an imminent threat to themselves or others
The student is under the age of 18
A staff member has knowledge or suspicion of abuse of a child, elderly person, or person with a disability
Student records have been subpoenaed by a legitimate court order

Emergencies and Crisis Support

If you or someone you know has a life-threatening emergency on campus during business or after hours, call Albany State University Police Department at (229) 430-4711, 911 if off campus, out-of-town, state, or go to your nearest emergency room.

Uwill also offers students a direct crisis connection. If you have a mental health crisis on campus, call the 24/7/365 Support Line at (833) 646-1526. You'll be connected to a licensed mental health counselor in about 30 seconds or less. Counselors offer immediate support, regardless of your location, to help you manage your concerns or whatever prompted your call.

Optional resources include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1 (800) 715-4225 for immediate assistance.