Virtual Needs Assessment

What to expect during your Virtual Needs Assessment (VNA)

During your Virtual Needs Assessment appointment, you and a UCC counselor will discuss
your concerns as well as the services you are seeking, your goals, and different options
for support or treatment. You and the counselor will collaborate to determine the most
effective service to address your needs.

Scheduling a Virtual Needs Assessment appointment

Follow the instructions below to schedule a Virtual Needs Assessment appointment.

  • Log in to your to schedule online
  • Once logged into the Patient Portal, click the APPOINTMENT icon on the left side of the page
  • One the appointments page, select UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER from the CLINIC dropdown
      • Students should choose the VIRTUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT appointment
      • Division I student-athletes should choose the D1 STUDENT ATHLETES ONLY – NEEDS ASSESSMENT if they wish to meet with the athletics counselor
  • Once you have scheduled your Virtual Needs Assessment appointment, a few forms will become available on the homepage of the Patient Portal for you to complete
      • Students MUST complete these forms before attending their Virtual Needs Assessment appointment
  • Students will receive an appointment reminder with a Zoom link unique to the counselor that they will be meeting with

How to prepare for a Virtual Needs Assessment appointment

Each Virtual Needs Assessment appointment is scheduled for approximately 15
minutes. Preparing in advance will help counselors focus on your mental health needs and make
the best use of our time together.

Be sure to complete these steps prior to your appointment:

  • Complete the forms for the appointment that are indicated in the
  • Locate a quiet, distraction-free space where you feel safe speaking openly and ensure that your device is charged and working properly.  If you can't locate a private space, call the UCC (607-777-2772) or visit the UCC (Old O'Connor 264)
  • Log in to the prior to the beginning of the meeting to check-in for your appointment
  • Prepare to clarify what your current problems or concerns are and think about what you would like help with
      • It may help to prepare notes in order to help you put your experience into words
      • Think about the primary reason you are seeking support and why now feels like the right time
      • If you are experiencing multiple issues or concerns, prioritize which is most important
  • If you are currently on psychiatric medication, have that information ready
  • If applicable, be ready to briefly share any previous experience with therapy, diagnoses, or coping strategies you have tried