Info for Parents

Resources and Information for Parents and Family

Counseling Services at Converse College is committed to supporting your student’s personal, social and intellectual development and to enable her to develop as a well-rounded and healthy individual. This page is intended to provide you with information about our services and the ways in which we can be helpful to you and to your Converse student.

As one of the most significant adults in your college student’s life, you probably know more about her than anyone else. It is likely that you’ll notice changes in mood or behavior that could be an indication of emotional or psychological distress sooner than others. Also, students tend to turn to parents and other key supporters when making important decisions.  We value your input and support; please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

How can Counseling Services help you?

We are available for consultation by phone or by appointment.  We invite you to call if you have concerns about your college student.  While this website provides helpful information, sometimes it’s easier to have a personal conversation to learn about our services and other resources that could assist in your daughter’s particular situation.

What about confidentiality?

Your student may have already told you that she is accessing our services.  Whether or not this is the case, confidentiality laws prohibit us from sharing any information about a student’s counseling contacts without her signed permission.  Confidentiality is an important part of establishing trust and effective counseling relationships; however confidentiality considerations do not prohibit us from listening to your concerns or from discussing ways in which parents and other loved ones can be helpful in dealing with the issues that their Converse student is confronting. If your student is seeking the assistance of Counseling Services, we will let her know that you have called to share your concerns. Please do not ask that we keep that a secret from your daughter as that could undermine the important trust between counselor and student.

What can you do?

  • Talk to her when you notice something unusual; don’t ignore disturbing behavior.
  • Communicate directly in a caring manner describing the behaviors that are cause for concern.
  • Use “I” language that focuses on what you notice or what you feel.
  • Educate yourself about campus resources.
  • Avoid being critical or judgmental.
  • Don’t bring up concerns in the midst of an argument.
  • Be willing to listen to what she has to say.
  • Ask directly how you can best be of help.
  • Encourage responsibility by helping her problem solve and identify possible options.
  • Recommend counseling as an objective, outside resource.

What do you do if your daughter has an emotional emergency?

  • Call Counseling Services at 864.596.9258 to speak with a Counselor.
  • Contact the Student Life Office at 864.596.9016.
  • Contact Campus Safety at 864.596.9026; officers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Suggest that she consult with her Community Advisor and/or Resident Counselor
  • On weekends or after regular office hours during the week, call Campus Safety.  They will help you get in touch with the Student Life staff member, CA, or RC “On Call” to help in emergencies.

For additional information for parents and family members, consult Student Life’s Parents Information page