Frequently Asked Questions

What types of services does UPCCES offer?

UPCCES is a division of the University Counseling Center that offers mental health services to the children of university-connected individuals. Services include individual therapy, group therapy, parent consultation, school consultation, and psychological evaluations. We also offer programs for an on-campus pre-school (LEAP) and local public high school, as well as a program for Residential Facilities employees. All appointments, with the exception of psychological evaluations, are 50 minutes long.

Who is eligible?

Children and adolescents up to age 18 and their university-connected parents are eligible for UPCCES services. Current University of Maryland, College Park undergraduate students, graduate students, employees, and alumni are all considered to be university-connected.

Does UPCCES offer culturally sensitive services?

UPCCES has a commitment to honoring and working with clients of diverse backgrounds. We strive to provide culturally sensitive and appropriate treatments, as well as to provide outreach services to people who cannot ordinarily access mental health services.

Is UPCCES a confidential service?

The services you will receive at UPCCES are confidential. However, there are exceptions to confidentiality as required by law: (a) intention to harm self and/or others; (b) suspicion of child abuse or neglect; and (c) court orders. Reasonable efforts will be made to inform you if such information about you is to be released.

Should I bring anything to the intake interview?

If you have any information that is relevant to your concerns, please bring it with you. For example, if your child has had a previous psychological evaluation, has an IEP (individualized education plan) at school, or any other school reports, you may want to bring in copies of those documents. This will help your clinician gain a better overall picture of your child and his needs.

Should my child come to the intake interview?

In most cases we ask that you bring your child to the intake appointment. In addition to speaking with you as a parent, meeting and interacting with your child helps us to gain a better overall sense of your child. Sometimes it may be appropriate for the child to leave the room or not to attend the appointment due to sensitive topics of conversation. This can be discussed when you make your intake appointment.

What is an Extern? Who will my therapist be?

Our clinicians are doctoral level Externs under the direct supervision of Dr. Warner. All of our Externs receive regular supervision with Dr. Warner, during which they discuss your child's needs, treatment approaches, and progress. We make efforts to find a good match between therapist and child in order to promote the most growth in the child. Therapist assignment is also dependent upon match in schedules.

Will you talk to my child's teacher?

The decision to speak with a child's teacher or school is made on a case by case basis, and is only done with the written consent of the parent. Consultation with teachers and/or school administrators is typically a means through which the clinician can learn more about your child's functioning in other settings, and may aid the clinician in creating a comprehensive therapy or assessment experience.

How much contact will I (the parent) have with my child's clinician?

UPCCES clinicians value discussions with parents, and will update you on a regular basis about your child's progress. Updates take place at the beginning or end of the therapy sessions, or at sessions specifically allotted for parent feedback.

What are UPCCES' hours?

UPCCES is open Monday-Friday during regular business hours and some evenings, although appointment times vary depending on staff availability. Because our externs are not full-time staff, they are not always here to take calls. However, feel free to contact UPCCES during the regular business day, at which point you can speak to the Office Assistant. She will address what questions she can, and forward any messages to your clinician.

What is the fee for services? Do you take insurance?

Since UPCCES is designed as a service for the campus community, and we are invested in having it be accessible, all rates are reduced and are significantly lower than rates in the private sector. Specific fee rates depend on how you are connected to the university. Typically, our 50 minute appointments range between $25-$40 a session. There is a different, but still reduced charge for psychological evaluations. UPCCES does not accept insurance, and will not contact insurance carriers. However, we can give you an invoice that you may submit to your insurance carrier if you choose.