FAQs

How do I make my first appointment?
You may call (650) 574-6396, email csmwellness@smcccd.edu or come by the CSM Health Services Center between the hours of 8:30 am - 6 pm Monday-Thursday.  All initial appointments are scheduled through the Health Center office.  All subsequent appointments are scheduled with your counselor.

How soon can I get an appointment?
Appointments are usually available within one to five days of your initial request for services. However, at certain times of the semester this wait may be longer.

What if I have an emergency?
If you feel you are experiencing a crisis, please make this known when you come into the Health Services Office. Every effort will be made for you to see a counselor immediately or within a matter of hours, depending on the nature of the crisis. If it is after business hours or during weekend, please call Crisis Hot Line at (650) 579-0350 or dial 911.

Who is eligible to receive services?
Personal Counseling and Wellness Services provides brief, personal counseling to all currently enrolled students of CSM.

Will there be any fees?
All counseling sessions are free to eligible students.

Where will my appointment be?
Initial contacts and appointments are made through the Health Services Office in Building 1, Room 147. At the time of your first appointment, the Health Services staff will take you to the counselor's office or the counselor will meet you at the Health Services Office. You may go to the waiting area in our room 117 or go directly to your counselor's office for subsequent appointments.

What can I expect from my first appointment?
We are here to assist you to discover how best to handle pressing personal issues in your life. This discovering process may take the form of individual, couples, or family counseling, depending on the issues you wish to explore. Your counseling appointment will normally consist of one 50-minute session per week. If you wish to continue counseling beyond eight weeks, we may assist you in locating appropriate off-campus counseling services.

What about confidentiality?
You can expect complete confidentiality. There are rare situations in which, if you pose possible harm to yourself or others, we are required by state law to report. Be sure to discuss any concerns you may have about confidentiality with your counselor.

What times are available for appointments?
Counselors are usually available between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, Monday through Thursday, and on Fridays before noon.

Who are the Personal Counseling and Wellness Services staff?
Personal Counseling and Wellness Services is staffed by a Wellness Director, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Counseling Adjuncts and Interns earning hours for California state mental health licenses, and a Staff Assistant.

Are appointments available in-person and over Zoom?
Yes.