Counseling Services

• 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.

  Confidentiality Statement

• Scheduling Appointments

  Initial Triage appointments are the only services able to be directly scheduled online. 

  ***No Triage appointments beginning April 21 - Single-session Counseling Appointments will be offered instead.***

  Triage appointments resume on May 12.

  Schedule a Triage Appointment

  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.

The services below require an initial Triage appointment before sessions can be scheduled.

• 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.

• Group Counseling

  Join a small group of students for weekly 60-90-minute therapy sessions led by a counselor. In a confidential space, gain encouragement, build self-esteem, strengthen relationships, and develop coping skills alongside peers facing similar challenges. Current groups include an Anxiety Management Group, an Interpersonal Process Group, an LGBTQ+ Process Group, and a Students of Color Process Group.

• 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.

• 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 .

• 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.

• 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 .