Counseling and Substance Abuse Services

Counseling and Substance Abuse Services (CASAS) provides counseling for individual, couple, family and a variety of relationship concerns. CASAS also offers assessment and treatment for alcohol and substance abuse problems, as well as testing for possible learning difficulties.  Limited psychiatric services are also available.  CASAS can also help direct students to appropriate community resources, both on and off campus which might better meet their needs.

CASAS utilizes a strength-based, short-term model.  While students often focus on what is wrong, CASAS licensed counselors, and trained Peer Counselors, help students utilize their strengths and/or learn additional skills to empower them through their difficulties.  Short term treatment works because it builds upon an individual's strengths and resources. Research has found that a short-term approach to treatment is effective in bringing about lasting change for 83% of people within five sessions or less.  This also fits the research on counseling which demonstrates that the majority of people who come for counseling only want brief (3-6 visits) focused support for specific concerns.  This allows CASAS to be accessible to a majority of students, while those needing more extensive support can be provided with community resources which can best meet their needs.  CASAS is also committed to dynamic and extensive community education and prevention services, to enable students to better help themselves and their peers related to a variety of health and mental health difficulties.

Students interested in seeking our help can call 843.953.5640 and they will be scheduled for an Initial Assessment to determine if CASAS is the best resource for you.  If you are currently taking any medication, please bring a list of the name and amount of that mediation to your appointment. 

Students thinking about harming themselves or others, (suicidal or homicidal ideation) or who have recently attempted to harm themselves or others should tell the receptionist and they can come in for an Emergent Evaluation.  Anyone with concerns about their own or another student's self-harm after normal school hours - evenings or weekends/holidays should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.  Students on campus can notify their Resident Assistant or call Public Safety at 843.953.5612.

All services are completely confidential.