When you first come in or call to make an appointment you will be given a Self-Assessment (downloadable as a PDF file) that you will be asked to complete and return when you come in for your first appointment. You will also be asked to complete the Mental Health Treatment Agreement, that explains more about our services. The Self-Assessment will help you organize your thoughts to begin to get a handle on the situation, and can be filled out in as much depth as you feel is appropriate.
This first appointment, offered at no charge, is a comprehensive evaluation. We schedule one and a half hours for these appointments so that we have time to review the present situation that brings you to counseling, how are you coping, discuss your personal history, social support, and medical history. We will also want to know about your strengths and hopes for your future. Before the end of the session your practitioner will review their assessment, discuss with you what your options are, and help you formulate a plan to address your problem.
Options may include counseling, medication, education, specific suggestions or "homework", or referral to another agency. Sometimes, no further counseling is needed, because just talking the situation out during this initial appointment is all a student may need to get a handle on their situation.
You can usually continue to work with the same practitioner you saw for your first appointment, unless you request a change.
Confidentiality
All mental health services are confidential. No information can be released to anyone without your written consent. Certain rare exceptions to confidentiality are required by law, please see the Mental Health Treatment Agreement for more detailed information.
About Our Staff
The Student Health Center is staffed with four Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, and, at times, a graduate student intern.
Carol Montgomery RN, MS, Ph.D., ANP is the Associate Director of the Student Health Center. She has more than 30 years of experience in mental health and is former Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She has been in Alaska since 1996, and has been working at the Student Health Center since 1998.
Georgia DeKeyser, RN,MSN, ANP is certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner practicing in Women's Health, and as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has lived in Alaska since 1984, and has been working at the Student Health Center in Mental Health Services since 1998.
Nancy Felton RN, MS, ANP is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with many years of experience in the mental health field, working in Colorado, Hawaii, Nome, and various agencies in Anchorage. She returned to the Student Health Center in 2005 after working at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Nancy enjoys traveling, outdoor recreation, exercise and trying to be creative.
Shirley Valek Wilson RN, MS, MSN,CNS, ANP Assistant Professor of Nursing and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, has been active in nursing for over 35 years and in advanced practice for 13 years. She first moved to Alaska in 1992 to establish a private practice. She teaches Mental Health Nursing at UAA, and has been working at the Student Health Center since 2004. Her interests include Jungian Psychology and play therapy with children. She enjoys reading, gardening and hiking with her dogs.
