Our Mission
The Office of Counseling Services (OCS) is a university agency with a competent, diverse, and multidisciplinary professional staff. OCS provides evidence based mental health services, preventative programming, and a multi-level doctoral training program. The OCS staff adheres to the highest standards of ethics and confidentiality. We promote and maintain a reliable service system in a safe and supportive atmosphere.
The Office of Counseling Services (OCS) strives to support the overall mission of the University by facilitating the academic, emotional, and social development of students and by serving as mental health consultants for the campus community.
Diversity Statement
The Office of Counseling Services (OCS) is committed to diversity as a core value of our organization. We provide services within a context that values the uniqueness of each human being and remain sensitive to cultural and individual diversity. This includes our respect for how ethnic/racial identity, religious beliefs, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, disability, ability, body shape/size, and veteran status might impact a person’s experience in the ODU community and within society.
We stand committed to maintaining awareness that our various cultural lenses have an impact on how we view our colleagues and our students, and we remain committed to addressing and challenging our biases. This commitment is guided by the professional standards and ethics of our diverse mental health disciplines.
Values
The staff of the Office of Counseling Services value:
- Compassion: Guidance with understanding and care.
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Empathy: Identifying with our students’ experiences to enhance connection and trust.
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Respect: Honoring our students’ history and experiences. Fostering inclusivity.
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Safety: Promoting a safe space.
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Community: Cultivating meaningful connections with others.
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Empowerment: Encouraging confidence to navigate life circumstances; building resilience.
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Responsiveness: Providing timely effective care.
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Support: Engaging in active listening.
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Self-Awareness, accountability, and Responsibility: In all that we undertake.