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 for up to seven sessions per year. The session limit does not include the initial intake, emergency appointments, 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 issues. In addition, students seeking ADD 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. Session limits enable 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 been seen for an average of seven 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 on campus crisis services as needed.
Referral for Medication, Off-campus Treatment
We refer students who require medication to our 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 ADD 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 the counselor in charge of each group for more information.
Consultation
We consult with students, faculty and staff about their concerns about K students, family members and 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 go here to contact a counseling center staff person.
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, the Counseling Center has a walk-in crisis hour Monday – Friday at 2:00 P.M. The name and office number of the walk-in counselor for the day is on the sign near the front door of the center. Please go to that office and let them know that you need to talk to a counselor. If you are in a crisis at any other time during business hours, please go to the health center next door and let the front office staff know that you need to speak to a counselor right away. If it is outside of office hours, please call campus safety at 269.337.7321 or let your Resident Assistant know and let them know you need to speak to the on-call counselor.
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.