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Counseling Services

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Getting Started

The Counseling Center at Spelman College offers free and confidential services to all currently registered students.

Support. Insight. Empowerment.
Phone: 404-270-5293
(Press 2 for after-hours and lunch-hour support)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
On-Call Counseling: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. and after 4:30 p.m.
Location: MacVair Hall / Hybrid services (in-person and virtual)

Read Recent COVID-19 Health Guidance

MacVicar Hall 

How to Connect With the Counseling Center

1. Schedule an Appointment

  • Call 404-270-5293 to make an appointment.
  • Your first visit is an initial consultation with a licensed therapist (in person, by phone, or via HIPAA-compliant Zoom).
  • During this session, we will learn about your concerns and discuss appropriate next steps.
  • If needed, referrals to on- or off-campus services will be provided.

2. Complete Required Forms

  • After scheduling, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the Medicat Portal.
  • Complete all required forms at least one hour before your appointment.
  • Incomplete forms may result in rescheduling.
  • Future communication will be sent securely through Medicat.
  • To cancel or reschedule, call 404-270-5293.

3. After-Hours Support

  • Call 404-270-5293 and select option #2 to reach the on-call counselor (available 24/7).
  • In an emergency, contact Public Safety at 404-525-6401, or dial 911 or 988 if off campus.

Remember, you're not alone—we're here to support you anytime!

4. Groups and Workshops
Groups and workshops are open to all currently enrolled Spelman students. Registrants will receive the Zoom information after their registration is approved.

Visit Groups and Workshops to Learn More

Contact Info

Counseling Center

350 Spelman Lane, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30314
Health Services Center, McVicar Building

404-270-5293
counseling@spelman.edu

By appointment only Mon. - Fri. | 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

What to Expect

You will be asked to complete paperwork and will meet briefly with a triage counselor. This is an opportunity for the triage counselor to learn about your situation and determine your needs. The counselor will make a referral for on- or off-campus services, whichever is most appropriate for you. 

Connecting With Counseling During Staff Lunch

Monday – Friday | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

  • For urgent concerns during this time, call 404-270-5293 and select option #2 to reach the counselor on call.
  • To schedule an appointment, please leave a message. Calls will be returned after 1 p.m.

Important Information About Virtual Counseling

  • Sessions may occasionally be disrupted or delayed due to technical issues.
  • Virtual counseling uses alternative communication methods, which may reduce nonverbal cues and increase the possibility of misunderstandings.
  • In accordance with Georgia state law, students must be physically located in the state of Georgia to participate in virtual counseling services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Process

How Does Counseling Work?
At this time, Counseling Center counselors will make contact with students by telephone. You and your counselor will meet only in a private location where you will not be overheard or interrupted. Like traditional counseling services, counselors will maintain documentation of sessions. Students will complete an informed consent prior to engaging in counseling services. This will include having you provide the address where you will be located for all contact sessions, two (2) emergency contacts, which are local to you, and a reliable call-back number should the session be disrupted.

How do you contact Counseling Services?
You may contact the Counseling Center for support at 404-270-5293, Monday - Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Limits and Risks

Are there any limits or risks related to counseling services?
The Counseling Center maintains discretion to determine if counseling services are an appropriate level/mode of care on a case-by-case basis. 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; or need for more intensive services.

In addition, because of Georgia State laws, on-going counseling services by licensed mental health therapists are not allowed across state lines. Counselors can provide consultation by phone to assist students in connecting with supports at home, outside the state of Georgia.

Consent

Do I need to give my consent for counseling services?
All students seeking counseling services must sign a consent form available on the Medicat Client Portal. Once you log in, you will go to the “Required Forms” page and then click on “Consent for Consultation.”

Minors (students under 18) will need parental/guardian consent to participate in services. The consent form is located on the Medicat Client Portal. Once you log in, you will go to the “Required Forms” page and then click to download “Parental Consent for Counseling Services.” You can upload the completed forms on the “Upload” tab located in the Medicat Client Portal.

Session Attendance

What can I do if I experience a mental health crisis, but cannot attend an in-person session?
Crisis management services for a life-threatening mental health crisis are not available through counseling services.

For a life-threatening mental health emergency:

  • If you are on campus, call Public Safety at 404-525-6401
  • If you are off campus, call 911
  • If you are in the state of Georgia, you may also call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) at 800-715-4225