The initial session is called a triage appointment. You will be asked to arrive 15 minutes early to complete initial paperwork. You can expect to meet with a therapist for 25-30 minutes, at which time the therapist will gather some additional information regarding the main concern for coming in. You will then discuss next steps, including a customizable care plan, which might look like scheduling a follow up to join a workshop, start group therapy, get connected to another department at Drexel (such as The Learning Center or Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion) and/or goal-focused individual therapy. We may make recommendations for an off-campus treatment provider if that seems most appropriate. In that case, our Case Manager can help assist in finding appropriate services.

Students have access to a range of services, including same day appointments, usually taking place the first and last weeks of the term, crisis and urgent appointments, unlimited group therapy, wellness workshops, brief individual therapy, 7 Cups of Tea (an online resource) and referral services. This means that the Center services are customizable; for example, a student might have a few individual appointments, then complete one of our wellness workshops and then enter unlimited group therapy, and other student might have a different experience that meets their needs.

The Center uses a goal-focused, brief treatment model and does not have an explicit session limit for individual therapy. Goal-focused, brief therapy means that the therapists here help students to address their immediate concerns using culturally responsive care. Session frequency varies depending on the Center’s demand and needs of the individual. Many students report feeling better after a handful of sessions, while other students might be seen longer. You and your therapist will discuss the course and length of treatment throughout your care.

Most students who seek services at the Counseling Center are seen for brief, goal focused counseling. Some students will be referred to off campus practitioners when they want or have the need for more long-term, specialized, or intensive treatment than we can provide.

In the case that a student has an urgent need or is in an emergency situation, students may call the Center or come directly to the Counseling Center to meet with a therapist for brief counseling and stabilization. Please indicate the urgency of the situation and briefly describe what you are experiencing in order to receive the fastest attention possible. If you have a mental health-related emergency outside of Counseling Center’s regular business hours, please call the Drexel On-Call Counselor at 215.416.3337 or 9-1-1 immediately. Also, if on campus, you can contact the Drexel University Police Department at 215.895.2222.