Langston University

Mission: The mission of the Wellness Center is to create an environment that fosters student growth, development and psychological well-being through direct clinical service, education and awareness programs.

Vision: The Langston University Wellness Center will be recognized as a national leader in mental health and well-being for college students, especially those from underrepresented populations. We are committed to providing a dynamic and engaging approach to counseling, prevention services, programming and consultation. The Wellness Center will offer the highest quality of professional services to support the campus community.

As a student, all information you share about yourself will be kept confidential. Only with your written permission will information be released to anyone outside of the Wellness Center except as required by law. Legal exceptions include the following:

• Services to minors
• Clear and imminent danger to you or someone else
• Reasonable expectation that you will engage in dangerous conduct as defined by Oklahoma state statute
• Reasonable suspicion that a child, elder or disabled adult is currently being abused or neglected
• A court order

Wellness Center records do not become part of student educational or medical records. While Counseling Center staff members may consult with a supervisor or with one another, all staff members are ethically and legally bound to treat that information confidentially. This is consistent with best practices and is in compliance with the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, as well as state and federal laws.

The Langston University community can utilize a Virtual Therapy Assistance Program. Register for an account today!

What do I do in case of an emergency during the day?
During business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday), contact the Wellness Center at 405-466-3400 or go directly to the first floor of the University Women Building, Rooms 110 and 111. If someone is in physical danger, call the Langston University Police Department at 405-466-3366 or 405-466-3368.

What if the emergency is at night or on a weekend?
Students can access the Call SAM resource at 855-225-2726 to reach a trained counselor by phone for crisis intervention whenever the Wellness Center is closed.

Can I send an email?
Do not use email in an emergency situation, since you cannot be assured that a counselor will open it at your time of need. Even in non-emergency situations, care should be used when communicating by email since it is not a confidential form of communication.

Consultation regarding the behavioral and emotional problems of others is available for parents, students, faculty, or staff. While information about current clients is confidential, staff at the Wellness Center can offer recommendations after a discussion about the behavior and emotional state of the individual in question. Recommendations might include strategies for approaching the troubled individual and making a referral. Relevant resources on or off campus could also be discussed.

As parents, you may have questions or concerns about your student while he or she is away attending college. At this developmental point in their lives, issues related to identity development, intimacy and becoming more autonomous are natural. There also are stressors inherent to college life such as time management, changing relationships, academic rigor, finances, and decision-making. Also, of note is the trend toward a growing severity and complexity of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety among college students.

The Wellness Center consists of a psychologist and a counselor who are dedicated to helping your student adjust, cope, grow, and succeed. The information provided at this site has been developed to provide support to you in supporting your student. Also, a professional mental healthcare professional is only a phone call away when you would like to consult about any concerns you may have about your student’s functioning or happiness. Please call 405-466-3400 so we can be of assistance.

For students, college is a time of transition, including developmental challenges such as individuating from parents, forming intimate relationships and establishing a social and personal identity. Students often seek help from others for these concerns, as well as for situational difficulties (e.g., failing a course, losing a loved one, romantic situations, or roommate conflicts). Research shows, however, that severe mental health problems are being manifested among students more frequently than in the past.

Faculty and staff, especially when in advising and coaching roles, are often the people to whom students first show their difficulties and a need for help through classroom behaviors, academic performance and/or personal disclosures. It is important for faculty and staff to be able to recognize the signs of distress that students show, to know the parameters of their roles as advisors, coaches and mentors, and to effectively refer students to appropriate mental health resources when needed.

Parents and friends who know the student well can also detect changes in a student’s behavior that indicate difficulties. Some guidelines and information are provided below to assist in this process of problem recognition and referral for help.

Characteristics of Troubled Students
Problem behaviors may be manifested in the classroom, in advising sessions, in living areas, or during informal interactions, among other ways. Faculty and staff who have regular contact with students in these ways are in good positions to assist with early detection and referral.

Parents may learn about some of these behaviors through email or phone calls. Roommates and friends are the day-to-day observers of signs of distress and malfunctioning. It is very important for others to recognize the signs of distress in students. Some examples listed below show a range of problem behaviors that may be indicative of adjustment or mental health concerns.

• Extremely poor academic performance or a change from high to low grades
• Excessive absences, especially if prior class attendance was good
• Unusual or noticeably changed interaction patterns in the classroom
• Depressed or apathetic mood, excessive activity or talkativeness and evidence of crying
• Noticeable change in appearance and hygiene
• Alcohol on the breath/problem drinking patterns or similar issues with other substances
• Inability to remain awake in class
• Repeated attempts to obtain deadline extensions or postpone tests
• Dependency
• New or continuous behavior which disrupts class or student interactions Inappropriate or exaggerated emotional reactions to situations, including a lack of emotional response to stressful events
• Seeking help from multiple other parties instead of counseling professionals
• Violent or other extremely disruptive behavior
• Obvious loss of contact with reality
• Disturbed speech or communication content
• Suicidal or other self-destructive thoughts or actions; references to death
• Homicidal threats (contact law enforcement immediately)

Symptoms of Specific Psychological Problems

Depression

• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties making decisions
• Feelings of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Weight gain or loss
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Loss of interest in sex
• Tearfulness or crying
• Withdrawal from others
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Decreased motivation
• Alcohol or other drug abuse
• Pessimism
• Problems with concentration or memory
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Anxiety

• Constantly moving around or being fidgety
• Inability to relax
• Nervousness
• Physical sensations like heart pounding, feeling dizzy, breathing difficulty and/or trembling
• Feeling pressured
• Excessive worry
• Inability to make decisions
• Problems sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating

Alcohol Abuse or Dependence

• Using alcohol to cope with difficulties
• Drinking more often or in larger amounts
• Hiding drinking from others
• Gulping drinks or binge drinking
• Getting annoyed with others who comment on how much is consumed
• Being uncomfortable when alcohol is not available
• Feeling guilty about drinking
• Unsuccessfully being able to decrease drinking
• Drinking more than planned
• Drinking in the morning
• Memory loss, blackouts
• Drinking to feel normal

Anorexia 

• Significant weight loss or being severely underweight
• Restricted/reduced food intake
• Ritualistic eating patterns
• Denying hunger
• Being perfectionistic
• Excessive exercise
• Distorted body image
• Very self-controlled
• Withholding feelings

Bulimia

• Frequently going to the restroom after meals
• Mood swings
• Buying large quantities of food that disappear suddenly
• Swelling around the jaw
• Weight may be normal
• Frequently eating large amounts without gaining weight
• Buying large amounts of food and eating it on the spur of the moment
• Laxative or diuretic use

Other Symptoms 

• Delusions
• Hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices or seeing things that others do not hear/see)
• Disorganized speech (e.g., incoherent, tangential)
• Disorganized or catatonic behavior

When to Refer 

Whenever any of the signs of difficulties listed above are present and a student is not functioning at an optimal level, a referral to the Wellness Center could be recommended. Often an empathic listener or a trusted mentor can provide the support, guidance or perspective to sufficiently help a student through a difficult situation or time in life.

Teachers, advisors, Student Affairs staff, and university personnel, in general, are dedicated to helping students learn, grow and succeed. There are times, however, when the help of professionals trained to deal with psychological issues and problems is recommended. Faculty and staff should consider referring a student to the Counseling Center in the following situations:

• A student asks for help with a problem outside of your realm of expertise
• The student feels uncomfortable talking to you about the problem
• What you have done so far has not sufficiently helped reduce or solve the problem
• The student’s behavior is disrupting others
• Helping the student could represent a conflict of interest or dual relationship and compromise your objectivity
• You are having a strong emotional reaction to the student’s situation (e.g., feeling overwhelmed, overly responsible, afraid, or tired)
• You are extremely busy or stressed, or unwilling or unable to offer the necessary help

How to Refer 

• Some aspects of making an effective referral include helping the student see that there may be a problem, showing care and instilling a sense of hope and confidence in the remedy through counseling. Specific suggestions for referring are provided below:
• Talk to the student in private
• Express concern, while being specific about particular troubling behaviors
• Listen empathically
• Remain neutral
• Suggest to the student that it would be helpful to talk to someone at the Wellness Center who is trained to address his/her concerns in a confidential manner
• Have the student call to schedule an appointment from your office, if he/she is willing
• Demystify and destigmatize counseling as necessary Call a counselor yourself to consult about the student’s circumstances
• Obtain emergency help via University Police if there is a threat of danger or harm
• Follow up with the student to find out if he/she kept the appointment; do not inquire about details of the session; rather, just show an interest in knowing that the student is getting the help he or she needs

Group therapy is a form of treatment that allows participants to learn about themselves and their relationships with others and address personal difficulties that are often shared by other members of the group.

A significant benefit of group therapy includes not feeling so alone with your concerns since others in the group will likely have experienced similar things. Also, the interactions members have with each other in the group will parallel interactions they have with people outside of the group.

This allows members to learn about their reactions and practice taking risks with new strategies for interacting with others in the safe environment of the group. These insights and new ways of interacting can then be transferred to relationships outside of the group with the aim of improving them.

Is there a structured format in group therapy?
There is no agenda. It is up to group members to determine what they want to work on each week. Often there is continuity from week to week related to the topics raised. The leader(s) works with the group to facilitate meaningful interaction and attend to identified problems or areas of dissatisfaction in the members’ lives. Also, co-leaders and members too, over time, begin to address issues, feelings and dynamics that surface among members in the group. This is a very powerful means of learning about you and changing patterns of behavior that are not working.

Can I be in individual and group counseling at the same time?
Group therapy is often the ideal form of therapy for college students since a primary focus of group is on relationships and understanding and managing feelings. These are common issues for students. Group therapy alone can be a sufficient means of dealing with these issues. Individual therapy is sometimes recommended at the same time as group therapy.

What are the expectations regarding my participation in group therapy?
There are a number of rules or expectations that leaders ask members to commit to prior to joining a therapy group. This is to ensure the group’s safety and effectiveness in addressing the concerns of all of the members.

• Members are asked to commit to a minimum of six sessions to allow enough time to get to know others in the group and effectively use the group to work on personal concerns.
• The group sessions are confidential. Everything discussed in group must stay in group. This also means that you cannot discuss what happens in group with other group members outside of group.
• Attend all group sessions unless an absence is unavoidable.
• The group starts and ends on time. If you are going to be unavoidably late, please let the group leader(s) know in advance.
• If you are going to miss a session, please let the group know in advance or the leader(s) know as soon as possible.
• Talking about your feelings in group is important.  It is your responsibility to participate in group. Active involvement can be helpful, as can listening. No one will force you to talk about things you do not want to discuss.
• Dating or special friendships with others in the group is prohibited while you are in group.  If you have decided you have met your goals in group therapy or that group is just not for you, please let the group know. It is important to provide enough notice to the group to be able to say goodbye.

MYTH: Counseling is only for people who have severe emotional problems. 
FACT: Yes, counseling can help people with severe emotional problems. However, students seek counseling for a broad range of issues that may include personal development, stress management or life-circumstance problems.

MYTH: Someone will find out. 
FACT: Our policy is that we will not release any information about clients without their written permission, except in cases of imminent harm to self or others, suspicion of child or elder abuse or neglect, or upon court order. We cannot tell others about someone’s status as a client without written permission. Our confidentiality policy is in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association and federal and state laws.

MYTH: My problems are too small/big for the counselor to help me. 
FACT: The counselor is sensitive to the fact that any problem you are experiencing is important to you and is subjectively distressing to you. Every student gets the same attention and care regardless of what the problem is. Depending on the type or severity of the problem, counseling can be very brief or take place over a period of time.

MYTH: Only weak people need counseling. 
FACT: There is nothing weak about participating in counseling. In fact, entering counseling can be the first step in confronting and solving difficulties, which is, in fact, a courageous thing to do.

MYTH: The counselor will tell you what to do and how to “fix” your problems. 
FACT: Counseling is not a “quick fix” to your problems. The counselor is there to help you explore your feelings, thoughts and concerns, learn more about yourself, examine your options, overcome obstacles, and achieve your goals. This is a process that takes time and the counselor is there to facilitate the process of change.

MYTH: The counselor cannot understand you unless she/he has had similar experiences or is from the same background. 
FACT: Counselors are trained to be sensitive to and respectful and valuing of diversity including individual differences related to gender, race/ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Your counselor may not have had the same experiences as you, but she/he will work empathically from your unique cultural background to help you figure out how you want to handle different aspects of your life.

MYTH: If I go to see the counselor, my chances for obtaining a certain job will be hindered. 
FACT: Counseling is confidential and we will not provide any information about you to anyone outside of the Counseling Center unless we have written consent from you. You will be given detailed information about our confidentiality policy and its limits when you first come for services. You can ask questions and discuss any concerns about confidentiality with your counselor.

Listed below are links to other health-related resources. The purpose of these links is to provide access to information for educational purposes only. The Health Clinic does not guarantee the accuracy of the material contained in other links. The information provided through these links should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you have a health problem, you should consult a healthcare provider.

• WebMD
• Virtual Hospital
• Healthfinder
• International Student Insurance
• American Academy of Family Physicians
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• MedicineNet
• Vaccine Information for Travelers
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The staff members at the Wellness Center have a range of professional interests and areas of expertise. They are available to provide programs to student groups on a range of topics. Training is also available for faculty and staff on topics related to behavior problems and helping students succeed at Langston University. Some of the presentations that the Counseling Center offers include:

• Academic success skills
• Anger management
• Conflict resolution
• Dealing with grief
• Effective communication
• How and when to refer to counseling
• Mental health issues among college students
• Sleep hygiene
• Stress management techniques
• Time management

What services do you offer?
We offer both individual, couples and group counseling to assist students in dealing with a variety of psychological concerns including depression, academic difficulties, relationship matters, anxiety, eating disorders, identity confusion, grief/loss, and family issues, among other things. Other services include crisis intervention, consultation, workshops and educational programs, online resources, suicide prevention, and mental health promotion programs.

Where is your office?
The Wellness Center is located on the first floor of the University Women Building, Rooms 110 and 111.

What are the hours of operation?
The Wellness Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Are there any costs for services?
There are no additional fees for counseling or related services.

Are there limits to the number of counseling sessions?
There are no session limits as long as you are an enrolled student at Langston University. Referrals to the community are made for students with mental health needs that surpass what can be offered through the Wellness Center

How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be made by phone by calling 405 466-3400. Students can also stop by the Wellness Center, University Women Building, Room 110 and 111, to complete some initial paperwork and schedule the appointment. The student and counselor will determine subsequent meeting times at the end of the initial session.

What do I do in case of an emergency?
Students in crisis during office hours may be seen on a walk-in basis. Calling ahead to notify counseling staff will expedite getting in to see a counselor. After hours, students can access the Call SAM Helpline at 855 225-2726 to speak with a counselor by phone. For immediate emergencies, contact the LU Police at 405 466-3366 or dial 911.

How do I get help for a friend?
While we encourage you to seek counseling as an individual decision, the Wellness Center staff can provide consultations to family and friends who may be concerned about the mental health and behavior of a fellow student. Consultations are available by phone or appointment.

May friends or family schedule an appointment for someone other than themselves?
Students seeking counseling services must schedule their own appointments. Parents may call the counseling center staff to inquire about the various services available to students.

How do I receive medication?
The CounselingWellness Center does not provide prescription services. However, Wellness Center staff work closely with other healthcare providers who may assist with a medication evaluation. More complex symptoms may require psychiatric services from a provider in the community.

May parents be notified of appointments and other treatment services for their child/student?
Parents of minor children (younger than 18) have certain rights to information and consent for treatment. All contacts with adult students and information obtained in the course of treatment are confidential. No information will be released without the written authorization from the student, except in the rare cases of imminent danger or as required by law when there is a suspicion of child abuse, elder abuse or court order. While information is not released outside of the Wellness Center without written permission, staff may consult with each other in order to improve the quality of services.

Is group therapy offered?
Yes, a group session is often the preferred mode of counseling by students because it allows them to share similar concerns and feel supported by others in a safe environment. At the same time, they can learn effective communication skills and enhance interpersonal relationships.

Are there any online resources available to students and their families, faculty and staff?
Yes, online resources are available by visiting the Wellness Center website. Online resources address topics including but not limited to mental health disorders, study skills and wellness.

Confidentiality Statement

Only with your written permission will information be released to anyone outside of the Counseling Center except as required by law. Legal exceptions include the following:

• Services to minors
• Clear and imminent danger to you or someone else
• Reasonable expectation that you will engage in dangerous conduct as defined by Oklahoma state statute
• Reasonable suspicion that a child, elder or disabled adult is currently being abused or neglected
• A court order

Wellness Center records do not become part of student educational or medical records. While Wellness Center staff members may consult with a supervisor or with one another, all staff members are ethically and legally bound to treat that information confidentially. This is consistent with best practices and is in compliance with the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, as well as state and federal laws.

How do I get started in counseling?
Call 405 466-3400 or stop by the Wellness Center to schedule an initial appointment. This is called an “intake appointment,” during which the counselor will ask the reason for your visit and set goals for

• Talk to the student in private
• Express concern, while being specific about particular troubling behaviors
• Listen empathically
• Remain neutral
• Suggest to the student that it would be helpful to talk to someone at the Wellness Center who is trained to address his/her concerns in a confidential manner
• Have the student call to schedule an appointment from your office, if he/she is willing
• Demystify and destigmatize counseling as necessary
• Call a counselor yourself to consult about the student’s circumstances
• Obtain emergency help via University Police if there is a threat of danger or harm
• Follow up with the student to find out if he/she kept the appointment; do not inquire about details of the session; rather, just show an interest in knowing that the student is getting the help he or she needs

What are some common concerns for which students seek help?
Everyone has life situations that may cause some distress at some points in their lives. College students are no exception. Below is a list of common concerns among students seen at the Wellness Center.

• Academic problems
• Alcohol/other drug problem
• Anxiety
• Career/major indecision
• Childhood physical/sexual abuse
• Depression
• Eating/body concerns
• Family issues
• Finances
• Grief/Loss
• Health concerns
• Homesickness
• Identity confusion
• Isolation/loneliness
• Lack of assertiveness
• LGBTQIA challenges
• Low self-esteem
• Perfectionism
• Relationship issues
• Sexuality
• Sexual assault
• Stress management