For most students, the college experience becomes a significant period of transition. Although transitions are often exciting, they also require change and adjustment (and this can be stressful). The Office of Counseling and Testing offers services for students who may be experiencing difficulties in their personal lives. The types of personal issues commonly addressed include depression, sexuality, stress management, depression, relationship issues and academic problems. 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.

The counseling relationship differs from both social friendships and the patient-physician relationship. Unlike friends, therapists are able to be objective; they are not involved in your daily life. Unlike most physicians, therapists don't give specific advice or tell you what to do. Instead, they serve as a skilled listeners who help you clarify issues and practice techniques to effectively cope with problems.

Individual counseling services are generally offered to students on a short-term basis, ranging from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the nature of students' concerns. We usually schedule one 50-minute session per week--at a time that you agree upon with your counselor.  Students who have problems that require long-term counseling are sometimes referred to other agencies or resources that can better meet their needs.  To make an appointment, please call 843-661-1840.

Emergency counseling is available on a drop-in, first-come-first-served basis.  

Counselors are typically available from 9 am to 5 pm, M-F. 

According to FMU policy, our summer hours are 8 am to 5:30 pm, M-Thursday and 8 am to 11:30 am on Fridays.

If you are experiencing an emergency situation and our office is closed, please contact FMU's Campus Police (661-1109) or go to the emergency room of your nearest hospital.

You may also contact the crisis line for Pee Dee Mental Health at 1-800-808-4796.

Our office maintains a strict policy of confidentiality. We don't tell anyone that you've come for counseling unless you give us written permission to do so. Our therapy notes are not part of your college record. There are some exceptions to confidentiality. These include:

• Life-threatening emergencies
• Suspected child abuse
• The need to share limited information with Student Health Services

These exceptions are rare. In every other case, your visit is totally confidential.