Counseling Services FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make an appointment?
Students arrange appointments with us on their own initiative. Call 736-9391, ext. 265 or come in (Student Center Building, next to Bookstore) and ask for an appointment. There is no charge, and counseling is confidential. Counselors are available during regularly scheduled hours.
Appointments for counseling, advising, or educational planning may be made with any of our staff.
What services are available through the Counseling/ Career Center?
- Individual counseling for personal problems or concerns
- Educational workshops and programs
- Career counseling to students or prospective students
- Personal self-help resource material for career, scholarship, and educational planning
What can the Counseling/Career Center provide for me?
- Individual and group counseling for personal and academic concerns
- Personal development workshops and programs
- Consultation to students, faculty and staff
- Self-help resource material
What kinds of problems do students discuss with a counselor?
Any personal issue can be discussed in counseling. Typical concerns include:
- Academic adjustment issues, grades
- Relationships with family or friends
- Stress issues
- Anxiety, depression, grief and anger
- Sexual identity issues
- Difficulty with alcohol, other substances, or food
- Sexual, physical, and emotional abuse
- Traumatic experiences
- Personal crises
Is counseling confidential? Is it part of my academic record?
Counseling Services records are confidential and separate from your academic records. Only in the rare instance where an individual may present a threat to harm themself or others, may counseling information be divulged without the individual's permission and then only to the extent necessary to protect the individual or other persons being threatened.
What can I expect when I come to see a counselor?
In your meeting with a counselor, you can expect the counselor to listen to your concerns, to help you expand your understanding of your concerns, and to assist you in identifying steps you can take to address these concerns. You can expect the counselor to take your concern seriously and to be willing to discuss anything you want to discuss. While counselors may have different styles and approaches, each will want to work cooperatively with you to address the concerns you present.
What is the cost of the services?
There is no additional fee charged for counseling. Some career tests may require a $5 or $10 fee, but this can be partially waived if you have low income or are on public assistance.
Who is eligible to see a counselor?
Any student or prospective student may see a counselor.
How will counseling help me to do better in my courses?
Students report that counseling improves their ability to concentrate on their academic work.
How will counseling help me personally?
Students report being better able to think clearly, to use new problem-solving skills, to see new alternatives and perspectives, and to handle personal concerns more effectively.
Will I be able to get any type of counseling?
The Counseling/Career Center provides short-term counseling and therefore is not able to offer services which require more extensive assistance. Most students need only five or six sessions to resolve their problems or concerns. Referrals to community resources are made for those students requiring services not available through us.
What are the qualifications of the Counseling Services staff?
Staff have education and training as professional counselors and psychologists, and are licensed or licensed-eligible in Washington.
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