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Counseling FAQs

Counseling Center

Do you have any informational materials I can look at, or give to a friend?

The Counseling Services Department maintains a large library of everything from pamphlets to books to videos/CD’s on a variety of mental health topics, including depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, eating disorders, abuse, stopping tobacco use, as well as many others. Just e-mail or call to find out how to get these materials.

How do I make a referral to a CWC counselor?

CWC has a Students of Concern process where anyone can make an informal referral of a student for any academic or personal reason – this should be directed to the counselor directly via e-mail, telephone, or mail. CWC also has a Students in Crisis process where students that exhibit serious threats to self or others are followed up with very clear procedures and require certain action by the student, including getting help and maintaining that help in an ongoing basis.

How much does it cost?

The Counseling and Career Services Department provides a number of assessments that are offered free of charge to all currently enrolled CWC students, on subjects of mental health, interests, and career searching

What if I am not able to come to campus?

Students in the outreach areas are encouraged to either call or email the counselor to discuss their concerns, but the counselor does utilize a web-camera if the student can also utilize one on their end, to facilitate face-to-face contact.

What if I know someone who I think needs counseling?

Share your concerns with the person by stating the specific behaviors you have noticed that worry you. Tell the person you will accompany them to see a counselor, if they would like you to. Not everyone is open to or ready for counseling, so realize that it is ultimately their choice whether or not they go to counseling. If they aren't ready, you may want to talk to a counselor to help you take care of yourself.

What if you aren't able to help me?

If the counselor feels that the issues are beyond the scope of his or her expertise or will take more time than he or she is able to schedule, he or she will give you the names and contact information for other counselors in the community

What should I do if I am feeling suicidal?

Get help immediately! Contact a counselor, talk to an instructor or Residence Hall Assistant, or call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE. After meeting with you, if the counselor determines that you are at risk for hurting yourself, a mental health professional from Fremont Counseling Service will be called in to complete a suicide assessment. If this professional feels that the risk is high, they will recommend a voluntary commitment to a safe place, such as Pine Ridge Psychiatric Unit at the Lander Valley Medical Center. Once admitted, you will be seen by a psychiatrist and a treatment plan will be developed. When you are out of crisis, you will be allowed to return to school, provided you have made provisions to meet with a mental health professional once a week for the next four weeks.

What should I do if I am, or someone I know is, feeling suicidal?

Get help immediately! Contact a counselor at Counseling Services, talk to an instructor/staff member, Resident Assistant (RA), or call the national Suicide Prevention Hotline number at 1-800-273-TALK. After meeting with you, if the counselor determines that you are at risk for hurting yourself, a mental health professional from Fremont Counseling Service will be called in to complete a suicide assessment. If this professional feels that the risk is high, they will recommend a voluntary commitment to a safe place, such as Pine Ridge Psychiatric Unit at the Lander Valley Medical Center. Once admitted, you will be seen by a psychiatrist and a treatment plan will be developed. When you are out of crisis, you will be allowed to return to school, provided you have made provisions to meet with a mental health professional once a week for the next four weeks (more details are available from the on-campus counselor).

What should I expect?

In the first meeting, the counselor will ask you to read and sign a Professional Disclosure Statement which provides you with an overview of the counseling process. Next, the counselor will do an "intake" interview with you to gather information to help identify what your issues are. At the end of the interview, you will be asked to set some goals that you would like to focus on in your counseling sessions. Weekly or bi-weekly appointments will be set up. Counseling requires a commitment from the client to work hard and keep appointments. It takes a willingness to look at yourself honestly and discuss thoughts or feelings that may be unpleasant or uncomfortable. It is difficult to make changes and take risks but the end result is a happier, healthier you!

Where are your services offered on campus?

The Counseling and Career Services Office is located in Main Hall, Room 123F, in the Student Success Center. A reference library as well as a job announcement board is located in the Dobler Center, just down the hall from the Student Success Center. You will find another job announcement board in the Classroom Wing, and several pamphlet racks around the campus with useful information on a variety of subjects.

Who can use Counseling Services?

Any currently enrolled CWC student is eligible for Counseling Services, regardless of where they are located and how many credits they are enrolled in.

Will my parents or instructors find out that I am seeing a counselor?

All counseling sessions are kept strictly confidential. In fact, no one else on campus knows who is seeing a counselor, unless an emergency exists (details can be discussed with the counselor). Counselors are required to have your signed consent in order to share ANY of your personal information with your family, instructors or other professionals. Sometimes it is good to include faculty, staff, or family members in your recovery, but that decision will always be your own.