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.
Out-of-state students, during the summer may use Counselor Schneider’s virtual Let’s Talk below.
How do I set up an appointment?
Call (608) 265-5600 option 2 and request to meet with the embedded Law School provider. 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.
Please note that, unlike other UHS providers, Counselor Schneider may meet with you in the summer even when not enrolled for credit. Similarly, Counselor Schneider may meet with recent, in-state graduates through the end of July.
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 or cancel a drop-in spot?
Drop-in spots are now reserved through this virtual scheduler. This form will be reset each Friday afternoon with openings for the upcoming week. You can use the same form to cancel a previously scheduled drop-in appointment.
When are drop-ins offered?
Drop-in appointments are offered each week at the following times:
- Tuesdays from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm (in-person or virtual)
- Thursday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (in-person or virtual)
- Friday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (virtual)
Drop-in spots are limited to about 20 minutes.
Where are drop-ins offered? And how do I attend virtual drop-ins?
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.
If you sign up to attend drop-in counseling remotely, log onto this Zoom link at your scheduled time: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/95284802163
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?
Students will be notified as soon as possible in the event of a Let’s Talk cancellation.
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.
