Counseling Services
While at ISU, you might encounter unexpected challenges, leading to confusion, anxiety, anger, or sadness. Life events can be overwhelming, but remember, you don't have to face them alone. Student Counseling Services can help you navigate these moments with free and confidential services tailored to your needs.
End of Semester Single-session Counseling Appointments
As we near the end of the Fall semester, SCS will offer students new to SCS a Single-session Counseling appointment instead of the standard initial Triage appointment from December 2 - January 13. Single-session Counseling appointments are solution-focused to provide immediate support with the challenges affecting you at this busy, and stressful time of year. You can schedule by walking into SCS, calling (309) 438-3655, or by clicking the link below.
Schedule Single-session Counseling
Single-session Counseling appointments are 45 minutes long. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before the start time to complete the required paperwork. For helpful information about Single Session Counseling appointments, visit our FAQ page .
Triage - Your Initial Appointment with SCS
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Your first appointment is designed to understand your needs better. It's called a 'triage visit,' a common practice in healthcare and mental health settings. Our counselors will spend 30 minutes with you, listening to your concerns and working with you to figure out the best way forward. They'll then offer recommendations tailored just for you, which might include services you can find on this page or other helpful resources available on campus.
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Scheduling Appointments
Initial Triage appointments are the only services able to be directly scheduled online.
***No Triage appointments beginning December 2-January 13 - Single-session Counseling Appointments will be offered instead.***
All other appointments can be scheduled directly through your Counselor or by calling (309) 438-3655. For helpful information about appointments at SCS, cancellation policy, rescheduling, and more, visit our FAQ page.
Student Counseling Services
The services below require an initial Triage appointment before sessions can be scheduled.
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Individual Counseling
Short-term therapy is all about giving students the tools and techniques they need to address their concerns. During these 50-minute sessions, our counselors can help you with immediate concerns, set specific goals, and support you through working towards achieving those goals. Attend up to 12 sessions an academic year, or 20 sessions throughout your degree journey.
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Group Counseling
Join small groups (up to 10 students) for 90-minute weekly therapy sessions led by a counselor. Receive support and encouragement, improve interpersonal relationships, develop better self-esteem, and learn how to manage social concerns with peers facing similar challenges in a confidential setting. We provide two group options: General Process Groups or Population Specific Groups (Students of Color, LGBTQ+, Eating Disorders/Body Image). Attend as many sessions as you need throughout your degree journey.
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Relaxation Room
Discover relaxation techniques in our cozy space for stress relief. With comfy chairs, bio-feedback tools, soothing music, art supplies, yoga mats, pillows, and gentle lighting, it's designed for your comfort. Let our staff guide you through a personalized journey, including deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, art therapy, full-body relaxation, and more.
The services below do not require an initial Triage appointment.
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Same-day Crisis Walk-in Services
If you're facing life-threatening situations, traumatic crises, or serious mental health challenges, we offer Same-day Crisis Walk-in Services, Monday through Friday, 10am through close. Some examples of mental health emergencies may include: suicidal/homicidal thoughts or actions, a recent incident of sexual assault, or the death of a significant person in your life. For same-day crisis appointments, please visit us in room 320 on the third floor of the Student Services Building or call (309) 438-3655 .
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Virtual Counseling with TimelyCare
ISU now offers TimelyCare to all students, a 24/7/365 virtual health platform offering mental health and well-being services. Learn more.
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Confidential Advising
If you have experienced a recent incident of sexual assault or relationship violence, our Confidential Advisors offer emergency and ongoing support. Confidential Advisors are trained to assist students, explain rights, and communicate with campus authorities as requested by the student. Importantly, they don't have to report of incidents of sexual assault and/or relationship violence to the University, unlike other faculty and staff. For Confidential Advising appointments, come visit us in room 320 on the third floor of the Student Services Building or call (309) 438-3655 .
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"Let's Talk" Drop-in Sessions
Virtual "Let's Talk" sessions offer students a space to chat with a counselor and see if counseling might be right for them. Whether you're exploring general concerns or have something specific on your mind, these sessions provide supportive perspectives in a relaxed environment. Counselors hold virtual walk-in hours on:If after attending a "Let's Talk" session you feel that counseling may be a good fit for you, an initial Triage appointment can be scheduled.