Scope of Clinical Services
The Counseling and Wellness Center uses a collaborative, intentional model to support students’ social and emotional well-being. The CWC is best suited for students who are ready to accept professional support to make meaningful change.
Individual Therapy
The CWC offers individual therapy from a time-limited, solution-focused model. Often, students report relief after a single session. Students whose needs are within our scope of service may be seen for up to 10 sessions each academic year, though 4-5 sessions is average.
Common concerns that our clients focus on in therapy include managing social anxiety, alleviating depression, navigating identity questions, or addressing relationship conflicts. Goodness-of-fit for short-term individual therapy at the CWC is ultimately up to the discretion of the clinician, as not all concerns may be adequately treated in our setting.
Case Management
Our case management services are intended to provide guidance for students connecting to off-campus higher levels of care, more specialized care than the CWC can provide, or long-term therapy. The Case Manager can also provide assistance to students seeking to enroll in health insurance.
Survivor Advocacy Services
CWC provides survivor-centered advocacy services. Our advocates provide emotional support, connection to resources, and assistance in navigating plans for the future. Advocacy is not the same as therapy. Students are welcome to access both services and are not required to participate in one to access the other.
Referral for Needs Outside of CWC Scope
Students whose needs fall beyond the CWC’s scope of services or availability are referred to community resources. Even if being referred elsewhere, students are welcome to utilize the CWC while “bridging” to off-campus services.
Our Guide to Off-Campus Mental Health Support brochure also provides information about finding a therapist in the community.
Some of the needs that are better addressed through off-campus services include:
- Request for formal psychological evaluation for the purpose of employment clearance or determining eligibility for vocational rehabilitation or disability benefits
- Documentation for emotional support or service animals
- Learning disability, neuropsychological, or ADHD assessment
- Student concerns that require regular weekly appointments throughout the year
- Student concerns that required open-ended, ongoing psychotherapy before coming to Western Washington University
- A history of multiple hospitalizations, current severe self-injury behaviors, or repeated recent suicide attempts
- Student desire for frequent crisis support between sessions
- Evidence or risk of progressive deterioration in mental or emotional functioning, requiring intensive intervention
- Court-mandated assessment or treatment requirements
- Legal guidance