- Who may use Counseling Services?
- How much does it cost?
- What is the Mind Spa?
- What concerns are addressed in counseling?
- Do I need to make an appointment?
- What can I expect when I come in for an appointment?
- Will my discussion with the counselor be confidential?
- What other services are offered?
- What if I call after office hours?
- What qualifications do the counselors have?
- Can I see a different counselor?
- Can Bishop Wellness Center Document My Need For An Emotional Support Animal?
- Does Bishop Wellness Center provide "notes" for missed class?
- Where is Counseling Services located?
1. Who may use Counseling Services?
Student Counseling Services are available to all degree seeking Willamette University and PNCA students during the school year (August - May).
2. How much does it cost?
All counseling appointments in Counseling Services are free of charge. This includes intake appointments, follow-ups, walk-ins, and crisis appointments. If an assessment for medication is indicated and desired, we may facilitate a referral to a community provider.
Please let us know in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment so that we may use that time for another student. We require 24 hour cancellation for all scheduled appointments in Counseling Services. Missing two consecutive appointments may result in administrative action to determine your continuance in counseling.
3. What is the Mind Spa?
The Mind Spa is a private room in Bishop Wellness Center that includes a multi-function and fully reclining leather massage chair and a full spectrum light. Reserve your half hour appointment in the Mind Spa by calling or stopping by the front desk. Sessions in the Mind Spa are free of charge.
4. 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, navigating oppressive systems, 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, gender expression, 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 is closed for the spring, winter, and summer breaks, we operate on a short term 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: students wanting to see the same providers weekly over time, alcohol and drug assessment and treatment, treatment of eating disorders, etc.
Please speak with your counselor if you have any questions.
5. Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes, please make an appointment for an intake appointment by calling (503)370-6471.
6. 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 their 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.
7. 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.
8. What other services are offered?
In addition to individual counseling, consultation, workshops, and walk in hours, we also offer case-management appointments for students wanting to get connected to other off-campus resources such as 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 Spiritual and Religious Life, Career Services, Accessible Education 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.
9. What if I call after office hours?
If it is an emergency, you will hear a message instructing you to call Salem Campus Safety at (503)370-6911 or Portland Campus Safety at (503)621-2061 and ask for the Area Coordinator. They 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. If you need immediate support after hours, please call WUTalk, serviced by ProtoCall at (503)375-5353, or 911 in the case of an emergency. By calling WUTalk, you will be connected to ProtoCall, a call center staffed by Masters and Ph.D. level counselors familiar with Willamette’s resources. Calls are free and confidential, and you can request a next business day follow-up inquiry from Bishop. Bishop Wellness Center is securely notified of your call, but like all records in Bishop, this is not a part of your academic record.
10. What qualifications do the counselors have?
All Counseling Services staff have professional degrees and are accountable to either the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners, the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, or the Oregon Board of Social Workers. Learn more about our staff.
11. 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. While it may not be possible to accommodate all requests due to schedule and existing caseloads, we endeavor to help you find a good match.
12. Can Bishop Wellness Center Document My Need For An Emotional Support Animal?
Due to the complexity of this issue, the potential for conflict of interest, the lack of standardized practices in this area, and the short term scope of our practice, it is the policy of Bishop Wellness Center to not provide documentation for students seeking a support or assistance animal. As an alternative, students are encouraged to seek documentation from their primary care physician or other community member most knowledgeable about their support or assistance needs. Referrals to community providers are available as needed.
13. Does Bishop Wellness Center provide "notes" for missed class?
No, Bishop Wellness Center does not provide "notes" for absences from class. If you are unable to attend class, please communicate with your professor to make up any missed work as your earliest convenience.
14. Where is Counseling Services located?
Bishop Wellness Center at Willamette University 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. Counseling Services are located in the 511 Building of PNCA.