How do I make an appointment?

To start individual counseling, please visit the Counseling Center and complete intake forms located on the iPads in the lobby. You have the option to schedule your first appointment after successfully completing the online forms, or a clinician will email you within 48 hours to set up an initial appointment. If you are unable to visit the Center to complete intake forms, please complete them at counselingsignup.kzoo.edu using your K College username and password or email us at counseling.center@kzoo.edu.

How do I know if I could benefit from counseling?

Counseling can be useful for students with mild difficulties in their lives as well as those with more serious or long-standing problems. Any student who would like to sort out any concern is encouraged to come to the Counseling Center. Some of the most frequent concerns that bring students to the Counseling Center are: depression, anxiety, trouble with romantic relationships, family issues, academic stress, low self-esteem, difficulty getting along or making friends, concerns about family members or friends, gender identity issues, sexuality issues (including sexual orientation), and questions about the use of alcohol and/or other drugs.

How does counseling/therapy work?

When you first come for counseling, you will be asked to describe what has brought you to us and how you understand the problem or concern. We may then ask you questions about your background and other areas of your life to develop a fuller picture of you as an individual. As counseling proceeds, we will work with you to understand further your concerns and the feelings that accompany them. Sorting through thoughts, feelings, and behaviors will help you understand yourself better, clarify your goals, and work through your concerns.

How do I get in touch with the Counseling Center staff?

You may contact the Counseling Center Staff by e-mail at counseling.center@kzoo.edu. If you call a staff member and get the answering machine, please leave a message that includes the best time to return your call during the day or ask us to email you. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call our 24/7 Crisis Support Line at 833.646.1526.

Is everything I say in counseling confidential?

We do not give out information about your participation in or the content of your counseling—even to faculty members, coaches, parents, or RAs—unless you give us your consent. Typically, that consent involves filling out a short, written form that indicates with whom we may communicate and about what. The exception to this policy of strict confidentiality involves situations where we believe that you are clearly dangerous to yourself or to others. In those cases, we are ethically and legally bound as mental health professionals to inform persons, such as family members and/or residence staff, who can help reduce the risks of serious harm to yourself or others. The Dean of Students is also informed of these very serious situations.

Who’s Who on the Counseling Center Staff?

Visit our Counseling Center Staff page for more information.