Remote Counseling Services

In addition to in-person therapy sessions, the Counseling Center also offers remote counseling services. When applicable, these services are offered via a HIPAA-compliant video and audio-conferencing platform and/or the telephone. Please see the FAQ below to learn more about remote counseling services:

What services are available via remote counseling?:

Available remote services include:

• Short-term individual counseling sessions
• Group Counseling and workshops 
• Same-day consultations
• Consultations with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners 

To schedule an appointment, please call (443)885-3130.

What do I do if I am experiencing a mental health crisis?:

If you are experiencing an immediate health or mental health crisis, please call 911, your primary care provider, or one of the agencies listed on our Crisis Hotlines web page for crisis intervention for the next steps.

How does remote counseling work?:

The Counseling Center utilizes a HIPPA-compliant video and audio-conferencing platform, Zoom, to connect with students using their webcam-enabled computers or smartphones. Information shared over Zoom is encrypted and no private health information is stored within the Zoom platform.

You and your counselor will engage in sessions only from a private location where they will not be overheard or interrupted.

Like traditional counseling services, counselors will maintain documentation of sessions in our HIPPA-compliant Electronic Medical Record system.

Students will complete an informed consent for teletherapy before engaging in remote counseling services. This will include having you provide an emergency contact that is local to you and a reliable call-back number, should the session be disrupted. When you call the x3130 extension, you will be provided with a web address that links you to the necessary forms you need to fill out.

How do I prepare for a remote counseling session?

Before your first counseling session, there are several forms to complete - it is similar to the first time you visit a new doctor.

These forms include informed consent for teletherapy, a brief survey including questions about how you feel at the moment, and a form asking for your student ID, your current address, a phone number for an emergency contact person that is local to you, a reliable call-back number, should the session be disrupted and other related information we need to help make your sessions fruitful and safe.

The morning of your scheduled first session, you will be sent a web address via email that has the link to the forms you need to fill out before the session begins.

When you have a remote counseling session, you should be in a private location where you will not be overheard or interrupted. You might also want to use headphones if you have them available. This will allow you to discuss your concerns as freely and openly as possible.

Are there any limits or risks related to remote counseling services?:

The Counseling Center maintains discretion to determine if remote counseling services are an appropriate level/mode of care on a case-by-case basis.

Remote counseling may not be appropriate, or the best choice of service for reasons including, but not limited to:

• if the student is at heightened risk of harm to oneself or others
• lack of access to, or difficulty with, communications technology
• significant communications service disruptions
• need for more intensive services.

Are there any other considerations? 

Generally, students should also be aware that:

• Sessions could be disrupted, delayed, or communications distorted due to technical failures.
• Remote counseling involves alternative forms of communication that may reduce visual and auditory cues and increase the likelihood of misunderstanding one another.
• Self-help resources through the Counseling Center's website and digital workshops remain available for students to access at any time. Please consider checking out our page on canvas: #StayWellMorgan: Mental Health and Coping resources, Stress and Wellness, Self Care in Times of Stress and Crisis, and Self-Help Apps pages.
• State laws govern the practice of teletherapy for licensed mental health clinicians. Counseling Center staff adhere to all applicable laws and guidelines in the provision of remote counseling services. As such, ongoing teletherapy through the Counseling Center may not be available for students outside the state of Maryland. If you are unsure, please call (4453)885-3130 and schedule a consultation.
• Counselors can provide up to three consultations by phone to assist students in connecting with support at home. Please reach out to the Counseling Center at (443) 885-3130 if you have any questions about these suggestions regarding limits or risks related to remote counseling services.

The Counseling Center remains committed to supporting the emotional well-being of our students. Please do not hesitate to call with any questions or concerns.