Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment?

Appointments can be scheduled by calling (504) 865-3835, Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m.

How will I meet with my counselor?

All individual appointments will be conducted using Google Meet and your Loyno Gmail account. All workshops and groups will be conducted via Zoom.

How long will the UCC be seeing students using Google Meet?

The UCC will be seeing students online, as well as in-person, for an undetermined amount of time and until further notice.

What if I am experiencing a mental health crisis?

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis you can call our counselor on-call 24/7 at (504) 865-3835 and press 1.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988. If you are in immediate physical danger and are not currently on campus, call 911. If you are on-campus and require immediate assistance, please call LUPD at (504) 865-3434.

Will the UCC be providing case management sessions using Google Meet?

Yes. Case management sessions are available in-person or via Google Meet.

What if I don't have access to a private space for a video session?

If you are having trouble accessing a private space, call the UCC at (504) 865-3835 to consult about this issue.

Will the UCC provide couples counseling online?

Yes. In the case of a three-person session each participant can join the Google Meet using their own platform, or couples can share a computer or phone when meeting with their counselor.

Will the UCC be hosting groups online?

Yes. Such groups will be held via Zoom. More information will be available on the UCC website before groups begin.

Will the UCC continue hosting workshops such as the Anxiety Management Workshop?

Yes. Such workshops will be held via Zoom. 

How to prepare for a remote session

Technical issues:

• To lower the chances of unforeseen technological difficulty, sit down with your computer or phone app for 10 minutes to learn how the technology works. Test run the process to ensure that your camera and microphone work with Google Meet and that all permissions are granted to the app.

• Consider the strength of your internet connection. Please note that concurrent video streaming by others on your Wi-Fi network may interfere with the quality of your session. If there is limited bandwidth to go around, request that others not stream video during this time.

• Consider using headphones to have a more seamless experience and to increase privacy. Microphones with headphones can also be helpful if your computer does not have a microphone.

• If you conduct a Google Meet on your phone, you can also use your cell phone’s data plan as appropriate.

Location, timing, and privacy:

• Remember that all appointment times are scheduled for Central Standard Time. 

• Consider arriving five minutes early in the location of your choice to situate yourself and give yourself time to complete the CCAPS-34, locate the invitation URL, and join the Google Meet.

• Every client has their own preferences regarding the privacy of their individual location. Your level of comfort and privacy preferences for your session are for you to determine, and it is in your power to ensure your own privacy. You can be assured that your counselor has taken steps on their end to ensure privacy of their location.

• When choosing a location consider your level of visual and audio privacy, likelihood of being interrupted, and your level of comfort in the space.

• If you are remaining on campus and share a dorm room, consider reserving a study room in the library or asking your roommate for privacy during the duration of your scheduled appointment.

• If you would like to increase audio privacy, consider using a white noise generator. You can use myNoise online or download the free phone app, available on Apple and Android systems. You can place the white noise generating device close to the door and engage in counseling on a separate device.

How to use Google Meet:

1. Access Google Meet and familiarize yourself with the application

Once you are logged into your Loyola Gmail account, you can access your Google Meet page by navigating to the top right of your Gmail page, clicking the icon that looks like a dial pad, and selecting the “meet” icon in the dropdown menu. Navigate to this page to familiarize yourself with the website and the technological requirements of the platform.

2. Get invited to a Google Meet

At the time of your session, you will receive an email invitation for a Google Meet video conference through your Loyola email address. This invitation will include a link to the Google Meet for your appointment. It is also possible to join the Google Meet by phone. The phone number and PIN code will also be displayed in the email invitation.

3. Join the Google Meet

When you receive the invitation email, click the link to join the Google Meet or call the phone number listed in the invitation. 

If you miss the appointment, join the Google Meet and your counselor is no longer present, or you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, call the UCC at (504) 865-3835.

Notes regarding digital privacy:

Each access link is unique to each Google Meet video conference and will lead directly to the Google Meet video conference. To maintain your privacy, it is important not to share the URL to your video conference with others, to keep access to your email account private, and to make sure you are in a private location for the duration of your counseling appointment.

System requirements:

To use Google Meet you will need a computer with internet access and a supported web browser or a mobile device with the Google Hangout Meet app (supported by Apple and Android). You will need to allow Google Meet to access your camera and microphone. For a detailed description of system requirements please see this link.