UW Law has a mental health counselor on staff for law students. Learn more about the services offered, how you can benefit from them, and where to go for additional help.
Getting Started
How much do counseling services at UW Law cost?
Nothing! The counseling services at UW Law are free for enrolled law students.
Who is eligible for counseling?
The counseling services at UW Law are available to all enrolled law students. Recent graduates are also eligible for counseling appointments as they transition out of school.
How do I set up an appointment?
Call University Health Services (UHS) at (608) 265-5600 option 2. State that you are a law student interested in scheduling an appointment with the embedded provider at the Law School. UHS staff will work with you to find and reserve an appointment time. You may be offered other options if there is a long wait, including the option to connect with generalist providers at Mental Health Services.
Another way to get started is to attend drop-in counseling—you'll find further information about this service under Let's Talk below.
Is counseling confidential?
Yes. What you talk about in the counseling room will stay in the counseling room.
There are exceptions to this rule, most often related to safety concerns. For more information, view the Privacy Information for Students webpage or read the relevant WI statutes about healthcare records.
Appointments
How long are appointments?
An hour is allotted for scheduled appointments, but the last 5-10 minutes are reserved for documentation and scheduling follow-ups.
Do I need to provide any information before my first appointment?
Thirty minutes before your scheduled initial appointment, you will have access to digital consent forms and questionnaires through the MyUHS app or webpage. Please complete these forms to the best of your ability and comfort within that 30-minute window.
Where are appointments located?
For in-person appointments, counseling will be conducted in Counselor John Schneider's office, Room 5101 (down the hallway from the Main Office desk and reception area).
For remote appointments, counseling will be conducted virtually via Zoom. You can access the appointment Zoom link directly through the Appointments tab of the MyUHS app or webpage.
I'm concerned about confidentiality. What's the best way to come and go?
You can get to the counseling office by two stairwells, 5100 B and 5100 A, or elevator 1.
If you arrive early to your appointment, wait in the reception area by the Main Desk until the scheduled time. When leaving, the counselor can check to see if the hallway is clear.
If you're concerned about meeting in the counselor's office, an alternative meeting place can be arranged if requested.
Is there a limit to the number of appointments I can have?
Currently, there are no limits to the number of sessions that law students can have.
Most students get the assistance they need from 3 visits. Typically, students are scheduled for appointments one every 3 weeks.
How should I communicate with Counselor Schneider between appointments?
Navigate to the MyUHS app or webpage and find the menu on the lefthand side of the screen. Click on Messages to be taken to your Secure Messages Inbox. You may correspond directly and privately with your provider in this manner.
Do not email Counselor Schneider regarding care-related matters.
Let's Talk (Drop-In Counseling) @ UW Law
How do I claim a drop-in spot?
The Let's Talk poster will be posted on the wall between Room 5101 and 5103 on Monday mornings during the academic year. Please feel free to tear off a slip of paper to claim the corresponding time. Drop-in spots are limited to about 20 minutes.
When are drop-ins offered?
Drop-in appointments are offered each week on Thursday between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm during the fall and spring semesters. Each spot is limited to about 20 minutes.
Where are drop-ins offered?
Drop-in appointments are offered in Counselor Schneider's office, Room 5101. You may utilize any of the other in-person Let's Talk sessions on campus or virtually too. Visit our website for more information about other Let's Talk providers.
How are drop-in appointments documented?
Except when there are imminent concerns related to safety, no documentation is created for Let's Talk appointments.
How will I know if Let's Talk is cancelled?
Watch your inbox for email announcements related to the status of Let's Talk. You may also check the Let's Talk poster between Room 5101 and 5103, as a cancellation notice will be posted as soon as possible.
Services Offered
What kinds of issues can I get help with?
Counseling services at the Law School can help students with a variety of issues, including but not limited to:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep difficulties
- Grief & loss
- Interpersonal struggles
- Identity concerns
- Adjusting to major life events
If Counselor John Schneider can't help you, he will assist you in finding someone who can.
Do you offer crisis services?
No. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact the 24-hour crisis line through UHS, dial 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Do you provide mental health diagnoses?
No diagnosis will be provided during appointments, unless specifically requested otherwise. Counselor Schneider welcomes conversations about diagnoses and the next steps will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Students interested in pursuing academic accommodations and/or psychiatric medication will be offered referral assistance.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. If you are interested in obtaining medication, you can arrange an appointment with UHS. Also, the counselor can help you set up an appointment with UHS or a community provider.
Quick Links
Contact Us
John Schneider
Mental Health Counselor for UW Law Students
Call 608-265-5600 (option 2) to schedule an appointment
If this is an emergency
If you are concerned for your immediate safety or for the safety of someone else,
get help as soon as possible.
Call 911 or contact the UHS 24-hour Crisis Services for immediate attention.
