• Bishop Wellness Center
• Counseling Services
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  • Confidentiality Policy
  • FAQ's
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FAQs

1. Who may use Counseling Services?
2. How much does it cost?
3. What concerns are addressed in counseling?
4. Do I need to make an appointment?
5. What can I expect when I come in for an appointment?
6. Will my discussion with the counselor be confidential?
7. What other services are offered?
8. What if I call after office hours?
9. What qualifications do the counselors have?
10. Can I see a different counselor?
11. Where is Counseling Services located?

1. Who may use Counseling Services?

Services are available to all currently enrolled students of Willamette University.

2. How much does it cost?

Individual, couples, and group counseling services are free of charge.  If a referral is made to our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) for an evaluation for psychiatric medication, the following fees will apply:

Initial Intake with the PMHNP       $125

Follow-up appt. with the PMHNP     $60

If you have the Willamette University Student Insurance, the above fees will be billed directly to Aetna and paid at 100%.  If you do not have Willamette Student Insurance, the above fees will be billed directly to your student account.  After your appointment, you will be provided with an invoice that can be used to pursue reimbursement through your insurance carrier.  You may also choose to accept a referral to another off campus provider to utilize your own insurance as appropriate.

No Show fee for the PMHNP           $25

3. What concerns are addressed in counseling?

Students present a range of concerns including (but certainly not limited to): classroom performance, depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, stress management, family or personal crises, interpersonal conflict with friends, room-mates, or romantic partners, educational or vocational ambiguity, alcohol or drug use, suicidal thoughts, concern about a friend, issues related to gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, and other developmental issues.  For many consecutive years, the number one reason that Willamette students access Counseling Services is "Stress and Anxiety".

Because Counseling Services operates on a short term, solution focused therapy model, referrals to outside providers may be appropriate for issues that exceed our scope of care or current resources.  Examples include, but may not be limited to: alcohol and drug assessment and treatment, treatment of eating disorders, and first episode of psychosis. 

Please speak with your counselor if you have any questions.

4. Do I need to make an appointment?

If at all possible, please make an appointment by calling x6471.  Students are typically able to be seen within a week.  However, if you need immediate support, please let the receptionist know.  We will make every effort to see you on the day you call.

5. What can I expect when I come in for an appointment?

You will be greeted by a staff member at the front desk and asked to complete a few brief and confidential forms.  A counselor will then meet with you in her or his office where you can talk privately about anything you wish.  You will work together to clarify your concerns and develop a plan to improve your situation.  Depending on your needs, you may set up additional sessions to resolve your concerns.

6. Will my discussion with the counselor be confidential?

Yes. All conversation and even the fact that you have seen a counselor is kept strictly confidential.  With few exceptions, we do not communicate with your friends, professors, parents, or family without your written consent.   Learn more about our confidentiality policy.

7. What other services are offered?

In addition to individual counseling, students may also access our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) for medication management services.  We also offer referrals to community providers for on-going medication management, ADD/ADHD/learning disability assessments, alcohol and drug treatment, support for eating disorders, etc.   Referrals to other departments on campus such as the Office of the Chaplain, Career Services, Disability Services, Academic Support, etc. are frequently made.  Group counseling may be offered based on need and availability.  Lastly, we offer crisis support and referral options.

8. What if I call after office hours?

If it is an emergency, you will hear a message instructing you to call Campus Safety at x6911 and ask for the Area Coordinator. He/She will call you back to assist you. If it is not an emergency you may leave a message and someone will contact you when the office opens.

9. What qualifications do the counselors have?

All Counseling Services staff have professional degrees. Learn more about our staff.

10. Can I see a different counselor?

Yes.  We want you to find the best match possible and sometimes this means trying a counselor different from first person you see.  Please let us know if you would like to meet with another provider.

11. Where is Counseling Services located?

Bishop Wellness Center is located in the Baxter Complex, just above the Montag Center on the Northeast corner of campus.  During the academic year, we are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Please call or stop by if you have any questions.