Counseling & School Psychological Services Center

Purpose of the Program

One of the primary functions of the counselor education program is educating and training professional counselors. These counselors will function in a variety of situations, including

• Elementary and secondary schools
• Colleges and universities
• Pastoral counseling
• Mental health counseling
• Family counseling
• Rehabilitation counseling

An integral part of a counselor's preparation program is participation in counseling practicum. Similar to student teaching, the counselors actually conduct counseling interviews with many individuals during the final phase of their preparation. These interviews are videotaped for review by the counselor and their supervisor. The purpose of these tape review sessions, called critiques, is to assist the professional counselors-in-training to further develop their operational procedures in counseling.

What to Expect

All of the counseling sessions will take place in the five counseling cubicles located on the second floor of the School of Education building on the north end. You may participate in four (usually 40-50 minutes) or more counseling sessions.

Any and all material discussed in an interview is strictly confidential. It is the counselor's responsibility to uphold this basic ethical standard. The code of ethics or ethical standards of the counseling profession guarantee the rights of the individual being counseled over and above any other responsibility.

Call 605-658-6638 to schedule an appointment.

Our Services

A primary goal of our School Psychological Services (SPS) is to diagnose learning, behavioral, social and emotional problems of children and college students, and to make recommendations regarding treatment and management of these problems.

Psychological assessment, consultation, intervention, and referral services are provided to USD students, children, adolescents and families living in Vermillion and the surrounding communities. To that end, the SPS offers comprehensive psychological evaluations to identify educational, developmental and mental health disorders such as

• Learning disabilities
• Dyslexia
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Disruptive behavior disorders
• Mood and anxiety disorders
• Intellectual/Cognitive Disability

Make An Appointment

Referrals are accepted from clients, parents, physicians, schools or other interested parties. Clients are seen by appointment only. Services in the School Psychology Program are available September through May. Appointments may be arranged either in person in suite 210 of the Delzell School of Education building on the USD campus, by emailing SchoolPsychServices@usd.edu, or by calling 605-658-6638, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There is a fee for specific diagnostic and intervention services. Fees are determined by the extent of the services provided and according to a sliding scale based on income. Fees range from $10 to $500. Presentations, workshops and consultative services may be offered as an outreach of the SPS to community groups, schools and parents on various psycho-educational topics.