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Counseling Services

College of Saint Mary is committed to the success of each student and is here to help you make informed decisions that will enhance and improve your quality of life.

Your college experience can be a new and exciting adventure, but it can also be challenging and sometimes a very stressful time in your life. Counseling Services are provided by Virtual Care Group to help students address their mental health and mental wellness needs. They’re also available for everyday concerns that often arise during this transitional time, such as stress, anxiety, homesickness and are there 24/7.

Confidentiality

College of Saint Mary ensures that counseling services are in compliance with the ethical standards put in place by the American Counseling Association. Seeking counsel will not jeopardize an individual’s academic standing or relationship with the faculty and staff. Confidentiality is an important element of the therapeutic process. If you are unsure of what you are experiencing and would like to seek validation of your symptoms, visit helpyourselfhelpothers.org for free confidential screening.

Virtual Care Group (VCG)

Students, create a VCG account: thevirtualcaregroup.com/csm/

To speak with an on-demand crisis counselor and/or schedule a teletherapy visit via phone or video, call 855-522-1226

CSM Faculty and Staff may contact on the student behalf while with the student by providing the student’s email.
If the student has not registered, it only takes a couple of minutes.

 

What is VCG?

What is VCG?

Recognizing the stress and challenges college life can bring, College of Saint Mary has partnered with Virtual Care Group to provide services through the Virtual Care Group (VCG). VCG assists students and dependent family members who may be experiencing a wide range of emotions or life challenges. Typical problems VCG addresses include stress, adjustment to college life, relationship and family conflicts, parenting issues, substance abuse, financial worries, and academic concerns. VCG counselors are master’s level, licensed professionals with many years of experience, and there is a counselor to fit every student’s need. Services are available 24/7, and it only takes minutes to connect with a therapist that can work with students on specific matters. There are over 15 therapeutic specialties VCG offers, and students can request a therapist trained to assist with a particular concern. Additionally, VCG services extend to children of CSM students. While students can access the service for free, there would be a cost for their children.

What does it cost?

What does it cost?

VCG is a free benefit to full-time students at College of Saint Mary. VCG offers unlimited counseling sessions with the same therapist. If further help is needed beyond the scope of VCG, the counselor will help to connect with professional and community resources. There may be a cost for any services beyond VCG; however, you may be able to access your health insurance to cover part of the cost in some cases. VCG counselors will also help you locate free or sliding-fee scale counseling resources if needed.

Who will know if I use VCG?

Who will know if I use VCG?

VCG is a confidential service, and no one will know about your visit to VCG without your expressed written permission. Students under nineteen will have access to VCG but will need written authorization from a parent or legal guardian to access services. VCG follows all state and federal guidelines regarding confidentiality.

Can school administration refer me to VCG?

Can school administration refer me to VCG?

In some cases, yes. Administration/faculty may have concerns about your academic performance or personal issues, which may make a referral necessary. A referral is to help you resolve any difficulties which may be impacting your success. If referred to VCG, you may be required to sign a release of information to provide attendance and follow through verification for relevant CSM administration. Information regarding the nature of your concerns will NOT be released to College of Saint Mary staff.