Information for Parents
Perhaps your son or daughter has recently started counseling at our Center, or you believe they would benefit from seeking counseling. Below is information about Counseling Services we hope will be helpful.
What does Counseling Services provide?
Counseling Services provides individual, couples and group therapy to support the academic and personal growth of enrolled students. Our services are free of charge. We use a brief treatment approach and will try to resolve a student’s concerns as quickly as possible, generally in fewer than six sessions. If we believe ongoing counseling would be beneficial, or we believe the concerns presented are outside the scope of our service, we will work with students to identify local community resources as well as help them access their health insurance plan.
Can the counselor talk to me about my son?
Our services are confidential, as governed by the laws of the State of Kansas. If your child is 18 years of age or older, he or she “holds the privilege.” This means we require a signed Release of Information before responding to a request for information about your son or daughter -- whether or not they have been seen at the Baker Counseling Center.
My daughter is under 18 years of age. Does that make a difference?
If your child is under 18 years of age and seeks counseling in Counseling Services, you will be asked to sign the Consent for Treatment Form. Students who are minors may be seen one time prior to having the consent form signed.
How can my son make an appointment?
Students may make an appointment by calling 785.594.8409 or 785.594.8365 or stopping by our office. We are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and located in the Health Center at 519 Grove Street. Please be aware we require that students schedule their own appointments.
I’m worried my daughter might have an eating disorder. What should I do?
We will be happy to meet with your son or daughter to assess their concern and make treatment recommendations. You should be aware that in most cases, given the severity of many eating disorders and the need for longer-term treatment, we will most likely make a referral for counseling to the community. Eating disorders are generally best treated with a comprehensive team approach that at a minimum includes a therapist, nutritionist and physician or other health care providers.
Readings & Resources
Online
Transition to College: Separation and Change for Parents and Students
College Parents of America
Transition
Empty Nest. . .Full Heart: The Journey from Home to College, Andrea Van Steenhouse (2002).
Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years, Karen Levin Coburn, Madge Lawrence Treeger (2003).
Helping Your Student
A Parent’s Guide to Sex, Drugs, and Flunking Out: Answers to the Questions Your College Student Doesn’t Want You to Ask, Joel Epstein (2001).
You’re On Your Own (But I’m Here if You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years, Marjorie Savage (2003).
For Students & Parents
College Rules! How to Study, Survive and Succeed in College, Sherrie L. Nist, Jodi Patrick Holschuh, Sherrie Nist (2002).
The Ultimate College Survival Guide, Janet Farrar Worthington, Ronald Farrar (1995).
Chicken Soup for the College Soul: Inspiring and Humorous Stories About College, Mark Victor Hansen, Kimberly Kirberger, Dan Clark, Jack Canfield (1999).
Bibliography Notes on Transition
College Of The Overwhelmed: The Campus Mental Health Crisis And What To Do About It by Richard Kadison, M.D. & Theresa Foy DiGeronimo, 2004.
Don’t Tell Me What To Do, Just Send Money by E. Johnson & Christine Schelhas-Miller, 2000.
How To Survive And Thrive In An Empty Nest: Reclaiming Your Life When Your Children Have Grown by Robert H. Lauer, 1999.
When Your Kid Goes To College: A Parent’s Survival Guide by Carol Barkin, 1999.
Almost Grown: Launching Your Child From High School To College by Patrick Pasick, 1998.
Empty Nest, Full Heart: The Journey From Home To College by Andrea Van Steenhouse & Johanna Parker, 1998.
Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide To Understanding The College Years by Karen Levin Coburn, 1997.
