Privacy

Confidentiality

All services of the Student Counseling Service are strictly confidential. SCS staff typically will not release any information regarding clients, or the services they receive, to anyone outside of the Student Counseling Service without the written permission of the client. This protection of privacy for counseling services is a strict part of the professional code of ethics in all mental health professions. In addition, a recent federal law (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) has spelled out what is required for release of records. Click here to view the notice of compliance with this law at ISU. When you come to SCS for your first appointment, you will be asked to acknowledge in writing that you have seen this notice. It is posted in our waiting room and available at the front desk. Click here to view ISU's Health Information Privacy Policy.

In those rare situations in which students indicate a high likelihood of harming themselves or others, SCS staff may be legally required to release client information (with or without written consent) to protect the safety and will-being of the person(s) involved.

Communication with SCS

There are a number of ways in which you may communicate with SCS or request that SCS staff communicate with you. While no method involving modern technology can be guaranteed completely foolproof, SCS staff will be guided by your permissions and preferences for communicating with you and will always attempt to safeguard your privacy.

In person

Stopping by our office to make an appointment is the most secure way to insure privacy but it may not always be the most convenient for you.

Telephone

You may always call the SCS main number (515-294-5056) during business hours or leave a message after hours. If you leave a call-back number or give us written permission to call you at a number, be aware that others who could answer that line may see a caller ID or may hear a message requesting you to return a call. SCS staff will use first names only when leaving a message for you.

Email

Most people find email a convenient way to get messages quickly and privately. However, the security of cyberspace cannot be completely guaranteed either. SCS staff will make every attempt to get your email address correct and will appropriately limit the content of messages.

The Client Information Form, which is completed prior to a student's first appointment, allows you to specify which methods are acceptable to you for SCS to make contact and also which is your preferred method.

To make a first appointment, please telephone the agency at 294-5056 or stop in person to the 3rd floor of the Student Services building.

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