Financing Health and Counseling Services

Abstract

This chapter discusses the fundamentals of financing health and counseling centers and also identifies contemporary issues related to financing these two services.

The Counseling Center: An Undervalued Resource in Recruitment, Retention, and Risk Management

“…Still, it cannot be taken for granted that such developments will translate into a greater appreciation of what a counseling center does or that it will lead to concrete advancements or support for the unit unless the director is able to capitalize on the opportunity. As Keeling and Heitzmann (2003) indicated, the effectiveness of the counseling center director may be a determining factor in whether or not the potentials of a center are recognized. Toward this end, the following recommendations are offered:…”

“…Those services, programs, and personnel that are judged to be of a lower priority are unlikely to fare well in such an environment. Campus counseling centers are not strangers to these types of discussions, with the adequate funding of such units often being a point of concern (Bishop, 1995;Keeling & Heitzmann, 2003).…”

“…Cost refers to the amount of money that can be calculated as an expense; value involves a judgment about the worth or importance of something. Keeling and Heitzmann (2003) offer the following assessment of a counseling center director's role in gaining support for his or her unit: Ultimately, the best tool at a center's disposal is the director's ability to be influential, assertive, opportunistic, and savvy in efforts to secure continuing support for the center. The director needs to be fully aware of the financial and political climate of the institution and to be ready to assert the importance of the center when seeking a reasonable share of university resources.…”