Individual Counseling & Psychotherapy
We work with students individually on a wide range of issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, stress, parental or family concerns, identity including gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual assault, trauma, and more. Sessions are generally 30-45 minutes in length and can occur weekly, bi-weekly, or on a “check-in” basis.
Because of the high demand for counseling services at K, the Counseling Center is unable to offer unlimited sessions to all students. Students will receive individual counseling under a customized clinical care model, which means the number of sessions needed to address the student’s presenting concern will be determined during the initial intake session. The average total number of appointments attended by K students is about 3 sessions. The customized clinical care model does not include consultation appointments or group counseling sessions. If a student’s issues are determined to require long-term therapy or specialty treatment, a therapist will help facilitate a referral to professionals in the community with that expertise (i.e., a student with an eating disorder or a student with substance use concerns). In addition, students seeking ADHD or learning disability assessment will be referred to a clinic or psychologist in the community.
Please note that our desire to care for and support each student in the most appropriate way is our highest priority. Our customized clinical care model enables us to prioritize keeping counseling services accessible to all students in a timely manner. Most issues that arise during the college years are conducive to a short-term therapeutic model. At K College, the majority of individuals seeking services from the Counseling Center have requested services for an average of 3 sessions per year.
Students are welcome to utilize the Counseling Center services at any time while they are a student at K and many students return at different times during their college career to seek counseling support. The Counseling Center offers a range of groups and we have found that many students are able to get their counseling needs met by attending one of our therapy or support groups. Students are welcome to attend group sessions as desired. Students are also welcome to use our 24/7 Crisis Support Line at 833.646.1526 as needed.
Referral for Medication, Off-campus Treatment
We refer students who require medication to our Student Health Center, to our consulting psychiatrist, or to family practice physicians.
Students needing specialty treatment will be referred to a professional in the community with that expertise, e.g., a student with an eating disorder. Students seeking ADHD and learning disability assessments will also be referred to a clinic or psychologist in the community.
Support Groups Offered Quarterly
We offer a variety of support groups in which students help each other find solutions to their concerns. Please visit our Groups page to learn more about our groups and feel free to contact us for more information at counseling.center@kzoo.edu.
Outside Consultation
We consult with students, faculty, and staff about their concerns about K students, family members, or friends. Whether you are a parent concerned about your student, or a student who would like more information about a topic or to discuss a concern, please contact a counseling center staff person at counseling.center@kzoo.edu.
Crisis Intervention
We work with students who are in crisis situations and assist them in getting whatever emergency help they may need.
A counselor is available 24/7. If you are in crisis, please call the 24/7 Crisis Support Line at 833.646.1526. You can also call Campus Safety at 269.337.7321 or let your Resident Assistant know you need to speak to the on-call counselor. If you are off campus, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Please note that the use of e-mail poses risks to the confidentiality of your health information. The Internet is an open network and provides no inherent protection for confidential information. You accept these risks by using email to contact counseling center staff. Email may not be appropriate for critical or time-sensitive issues as there will be times that staff will not have access to e-mail.