Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is counseling really free?
Yes. Counseling services at the Manzanita Counseling Center are completely free of charge for individuals, couples, and families. The clinic is part of the UNM Counselor Education Program and serves as both a training clinic and a community service.
Who will be my counselor?
Your counselor will be a graduate student in the MA UNM Counselor Education Program who is completing clinical training. These counselors-in-training work closely with licensed faculty supervisors and doctoral students to ensure clients receive high-quality care.
How long are counseling sessions?
Sessions are approximately 50 minutes long and usually occur once per week at the same day and time for the duration of the semester.
Will my counseling session be recorded?
Yes. Because Manzanita is a training clinic, all sessions are audio and/or video recorded for supervision and educational purposes.
Recordings are stored securely on HIPAA-compliant encrypted systems and are destroyed when no longer needed. In some cases, sessions may also be observed through a one-way mirror by faculty supervisors or counselors-in-training for training purposes.
Is counseling confidential?
Yes. What you share in counseling is kept private and confidential. Counselors, supervisors, and any approved observers are legally and ethically required to protect your confidentiality.
However, there are a few situations where confidentiality may need to be broken, including:
- If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult
- If someone is in danger of harming themselves or others
- If records are subpoenaed by a court
In these cases, counselors are required by law to report or release certain information.
Can the Manzanita Counseling Center provide documentation for court or legal cases?
Because Manzanita Counseling Center is a training clinic, counselors-in-training do not provide documentation, evaluations, or testimony for court or legal proceedings. If documentation is needed, the clinic can verify attendance at counseling sessions, but we are not able to provide clinical letters, reports, or court testimony for legal purposes.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
If you cannot attend your appointment, please call the clinic and provide as much notice as possible.
- We ask for 24 hours’ notice for cancellations
- Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are considered a missed session
- If two sessions are missed without notice, the clinic may release your appointment time slot to another client
We understand that emergencies happen and will consider unforeseen circumstances.
What happens if the University closes due to weather or holidays?
If the University of New Mexico is closed due to holidays or weather, the Manzanita Counseling Center will also be closed.
Your counselor may help you reschedule your session, or your appointment may continue the following week at the same time.
How are my records stored?
Manzanita maintains records of counseling services in accordance with state and federal laws and HIPAA guidelines. Records may include treatment plans, assessments, and other clinical documentation.
Can minors receive counseling services?
Yes. The consent process depends on the client’s age:
- Clients under 14: A parent or guardian must consent to services, and the client must agree to participate.
- Clients 14 and older: The client can consent to services themselves. Parents or guardians may also consent.
Consent for Counseling
Confidentiality is important in counseling with minors and will be discussed with parents and guardians so therapy remains a safe space for the client.
Do you offer telehealth (virtual counseling)?
We do not offer telehealth sessions at this time.
What if my counselor doesn’t feel like the right fit?
A strong counselor-client relationship is important. If you feel your counselor is not the right fit, you may:
- Request a different counselor within the clinic
- Ask for referrals to outside counseling services
The clinic will work with you to help you find support that meets your needs.
How long does counseling last at the Manzanita Counseling Center?
Because Manzanita is a training clinic connected to the university semester schedule, counseling typically lasts for one academic semester. Clients meet weekly with their counselor during that semester while the counselor is completing their clinical training.
At the end of the semester, counseling with that counselor will conclude as part of the training process. If you would like to continue counseling at the clinic, you may request to return the following semester and be placed on the waitlist to be matched with a new counselor-in-training.
Please note that Manzanita Counseling Center does not provide counseling sessions during the summer, as the training clinic operates during the fall and spring academic semesters only.
How does couples or family counseling work?
When working with couples or families, the entire couple or family is considered the client, rather than just one individual.
Sometimes counselors may meet with individuals within the couple or family to gather background information, but the full treatment unit remains the client.
Manzanita follows a “No Secrets Policy” in couples and family counseling. This means that information shared individually may need to be discussed with the entire couple or family to ensure transparency and effective treatment.
What if I am experiencing a mental health emergency?
The Manzanita Counseling Center is not a 24-hour crisis service.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please contact one of the following resources:
- 911 – Emergency Services
- 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- New Mexico Crisis and Access Line: 855-662-7474
- AGORA Crisis Center: 505-277-3013
- UNM Psychiatric Emergency Services: 505-272-2920
You may also go to the nearest emergency room.
