Solution-focused Counseling


Student Counseling Services (SCS) offers confidential support services to UNA students through a Solution Focused, Stepped Care Model to help students develop coping skills to manage problems impacting their health, well-being, and academic performance.

SCS Stepped Care Model 
The Stepped Care Model is a multi-tier system of interventions and resources that seeks to meet students where they are at in their current level of need for treatment, while promoting autonomy and empowerment. Level of care is assessed by licensed counselors, and may be adapted as necessary for presenting clinical or non-clinical concerns.

Solution-focused Therapy is the main therapeutic approach used at SCS. This approach emphasizes finding solutions and involves identifying/leveraging student strengths and resources to achieve positive change for quick, tangible results.
  • Adjustment/transition
  • Anxiety & Stress
  • Alcohol & other drug use
  • Anger management
  • Depression & Mood
  • Eating & body-image
  • Self-esteem
  • Grief & loss
  • Gender identity & expression
  • Relationship conflicts
  • Sexual & affectional orientation
  • Spirituality
  • Suicidality & safety
Informed consent is comprehensive information about the counseling process, including the nature of therapy, potential risks and benefits, confidential policies, and client rights.

Recordkeeping is essential to comply with standards of care and legal/ethical requirements. Counseling records are strictly confidential and separate from academic files. SCS staff meets weekly to discuss individual cases and make recommendations, including off-campus referrals. Written authorization is required for information to be released, except under the following circumstances:
  • If you are determined to be an immediate danger to yourself or to others;
  • If you disclose that someone is harming children, the elderly, disabled persons, or others whom cannot care for themselves;
  • If we receive a court order.

Appointments can be made by telephone at 256-765-5215 or in person at the office (726 North Pine St - 1st Floor of Rice Hall) during regular business hours. We cannot make an appointment via email or on behalf of another person. We must speak directly to the student. 

NOTE: Cancellations should be made at least 24 hours in advance. You may be charged for an appointment not kept or canceled within the appropriate time frame.