KU Psychological Clinic

FAQ

Are you the University Counseling Center?

No. The University Counseling Center, also known as Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is housed in Watkins Health Center.

Do you see people who aren't KU students?

Yes. In fact, this is one major difference between the KU Psychological Clinic and University Counseling Center (CAPS). Approximately 1/2 of the clients served by the KU Psychological Clinic are KU students. The rest are people from Lawrence and surrounding communities, including University faculty and staff..

Do you have a psychiatrist on staff? Do you prescribe medications?

No. Many of the clients we work with take medications of some kind, but these are not prescribed through our clinic. If clinic clients are in need of medications or physical evaluations, we work with them to find an appropriate resource. For KU students, this frequently involves referring them to Watkins Health Center or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) where there are physicians and a psychiatrist on staff. For others, we make referrals to one of the area community mental health centers or to one of the local private psychiatrists, as well as to area physicians if the individuals don't already have a family physician.

What about parking?

Free parking is available for clinic clients who are not students, faculty, or staff of the University of Kansas. Temporary parking permits are issued for the day and time of appointments.

Can I request a particular therapist or type of therapist?

We do our best to match clients with therapists they will feel comfortable with, but there is no guarantee that we will be able to honor any particular request. It depends upon the availability of therapists and upon the availability of openings in their caseloads.

Are your services confidential?

Yes. Our ethical and legal obligations insofar as confidentiality is concerned are the same as those for any other mental health clinic or psychologist in private practice. We do not disclose any information about our clients or their identities without their written authorization to do so. There are, however, some legal and ethical limitations on our ability to maintain confidentiality in certain cases. We are, for example, legally or ethically obligated to break confidentiality if it is necessary in order to prevent clients from harming themselves or someone else. We also are legally obligated to respond to court orders and subpoenas as well as to report cases of child/elder abuse or neglect. Clients of the clinic are given written information concerning the limitations on confidentiality.

Can you help me with my problem?

There are effective treatments for many types of psychological or emotional problems. Consulting with one of our therapists is one way of finding out what your treatment options might be. However, the key to the success of any psychological treatment is the willing and informed cooperation of the client. Successful psychotherapy requires greater participation and cooperation from the client than is true of treatment for most physical problems. The clients' own efforts play a crucial role in determining how much benefit they receive. It is especially important that there be open communication. In fact, the most important reponsibility a psychotherapy client has is to try to clearly express what he or she is thinking and feeling. Clients are far more likely to be successful in getting what they want if they and their therapists are communicating honestly and working together toward the same goals.