Counseling services on campus

Most colleges offer counseling to enrolled students, often covered by student fees, and this page explains how to reach it and what to expect. It also covers confidentiality and the crisis lines that answer at any hour.

What counseling centers offer

Campus counseling centers usually offer short-term individual sessions, group sessions and workshops on topics such as stress and adjusting to college. Many also run drop-in hours and an after-hours phone line.

Some centers set a number of sessions per year, and some help students find a community provider for longer-term care. Ask the center how its model works so you know what to expect after the first few visits.

How to book a first appointment

You can usually call the center, use a student health portal, or walk in during set hours. The first contact is often a short conversation that helps staff understand what you need and point you to the right service.

If the wait for a regular appointment is long, ask about drop-in hours, group options or telehealth. Some schools contract with an outside telehealth service that students can use at any hour.

Counselors are licensed by state, and that license can limit whether they can hold a session while you are in another state. If you go home for a break, ask the center how it handles appointments across state lines.

Keep these handy

• The counseling center's phone number
• Its after-hours crisis line
• 988 for calls and texts
• How to book through the student portal

What stays confidential

Counselors generally keep what you share confidential, and counseling records are kept apart from your academic record. In most situations, parents, professors and employers see nothing from those records without your written permission.

Confidentiality has legal limits, such as a serious risk of harm to yourself or someone else, suspected abuse of a child, or a court order. Ask the counselor to explain these limits at the first session.

Crisis lines and urgent help

In a crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any hour, or use the chat option on its website. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Many counseling centers also keep a crisis line that answers after hours and on weekends. Save that number and 988 in your phone now so they are there when you or a friend needs them.