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Counseling and Support

• What to Expect
• Services
• Commonly Asked Questions
• Psychological Counseling Center

What to Expect

If you are concerned about your alcohol or other drug use or that of someone you care about, you may want to consider talking with Dawn Skop, the Alcohol and Drug Counselor/Educator at the Brandeis University Health Center. Dawn has been working in the field of addictions for 12 years. She is licensed as a mental health counselor (LMHC) and an alcohol and drug counselor (LADC).

Dawn provides support to students who want to learn more about their own use of substances, reduce or eliminate their use, or have concerns about a friend or family member's use. This is a free service and it is confidential.

Services

Initial assessment: Interview designed to collect data about your substance use and other health behaviors and determine an appropriate intervention.

Counseling: Short-term, one-on-one counseling designed to help you to explore substance use issues and encourage making safe decisions.

BASICS (Brief Alcohol and Other Drug Screening and Intervention for College Students): An assessment tool designed to assist you in examining your behaviors in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational environment. It gives you the opportunity to assess your own risk, identify potential changes that would work for you and help you to reduce your risk for developing problems in the future.

Consultation, education, referrals: Support for university staff, faculty and students around substance abuse issues. Helps individuals gain clear and accurate information about drugs and alcohol, including interventions, prevention and referrals to on and off campus resources including self help groups.

Commonly Asked Questions

How long will the intervention take?
Every individual presents a unique situation. Your treatment is individually determined by your needs, goals and interests. You are welcome to raise questions about the process, including length of treatment at any time.

How much do the sessions cost?
All undergraduate students pay a Health Center fee each year. There is no additional cost for drug and alcohol treatment.

Is my communication confidential?
All communication between student and counselor is considered confidential, according to Massachusetts State Law, with the following exceptions:

• The counselor is permitted to share clinical information about you with other professionals or institutions on your behalf only after you sign a Release of Information for her/him to do so;
• In situations of potential harm to self;
• The counselor is required by law to observe duty to warn and protect situations of suspected or actual harm to others;
• If a court should subpoena records.

Psychological Counseling Center (PCC)

The Psychological Counseling Center at Brandeis is located on campus at Mailman House. The Counseling Center staff is experienced in dealing with developmental and psychological issues ranging from stress and depression to eating disorders. To reach the Counseling Center, call (781) 736-3730 or visit the PCC website.