Counseling Services

Testing, Counseling, and Special Services Center

Expand your personal growth

The college experience reflects a significant period of transition. Although this is often exciting, it also requires change and adjustment (and this can be stressful). The Testing, Counseling, and Special Services Center offers a safe and confidential space for students who may be experiencing difficulties in their personal lives. Issues commonly addressed include depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship issues, identity issues, and academic difficulties.

You don’t need to have severe emotional problems to benefit from our services. Many students use counseling to expand their personal growth and development, gain insight and clarity in certain areas of their lives, develop healthy habits, learn new ways to cope with difficult situations, and solidify their goals in life. Rather than giving you advice or telling you what to do, therapists serve as skilled, empathic, and objective listeners who help you through the growth process.

Individual counseling services are offered to students on a short-term basis, ranging from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the nature of your concerns. Appointments are scheduled in either 30 or 50-minute sessions and are typically twice per month, though this may be more often or less often, depending on your assessed needs and treatment plan.

Students who have issues that require long-term counseling or are beyond the scope/training of the counseling center staff are sometimes referred to other agencies or community resources that can best meet their needs. Counseling center staff will facilitate this referral.

To make an appointment, please use the online scheduler at or call 843-661-1840.

The Center offers services to students who are concerned about their use of alcohol or other drugs. The office offers free, confidential assessments to help students determine the nature and extent of their alcohol and other drug use, and the impact of this use on their well being.

Please contact the office at 843-661-1842 if you would like further information.

While counseling can benefit many students, some individuals will need more intensive treatment (e.g., intensive outpatient or inpatient hospitalization).

The Center will refer students to the appropriate level of care based upon the results of a clinical assessment.

Students who are referred to services outside of this office will be responsible for any costs incurred.

For emergent needs, our counselors are available for brief walk-in appointments Monday through Friday from 10:00am-11:00am and 2:00pm-3:00pm (Monday – Thursday during the summer). Walk-ins will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, so availability is not guaranteed. It may be helpful to call the office to check for same-day availability.

Outside of designated walk-in hours, a counselor will make every effort to work you in their schedule that day, as availability arises, so please contact the office or your counselor to check.

Counselors are typically available from 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. Our summer hours are 8:00am – 5:30pm, Monday-Thursday.

If you are experiencing an emergency situation and the office is closed, please contact the FMU Campus Police (843-661-1109) or go to the emergency room of your nearest hospital. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the South Carolina Department of Mental Health’s Mobile Crisis Team, available 24/7, at 833-364-2274. You may also use the text-based service, Crisis Text Line, by texting HOME to 741741. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988.

Our office maintains a strict policy of confidentiality in accordance with the law and professional ethical standards. Your records and personal history are available to no one, including family, police, faculty, or administration, unless you provide written consent.

Our records are confidential and are not part of your academic or administrative record. Information may be released without student permission in the following situations:

  • The student poses a threat of harm to themselves or others
  • The student is unable to protect themselves from risk of harm
  • There is evidence or knowledge of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult
  • Where otherwise legally required
  • The need to share limited information with Student Health Services, Campus Police, or the Dean of Students Office during an emergency or in the coordination of care.

FACULTY & STAFF

Will Hunter PsyD.

Director of Counseling & Testing

Office: EFB
Phone: 843-661-1841
Will.Hunter@fmarion.edu

Carolyn Bazen MS, LPC/A

Assistant Director of Counseling and Testing

Office: EFB
Phone: 843-661-1842
Carolyn.Bazen@fmarion.edu