Individual Counseling

Counseling Services also offers free workshops, outreach and drop-in support groups for students. For more information visit the Workshop & Drop-In page.

Individual Counseling

At some time or other, most students feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college, work, family or other relationships. They may also have other significant mental health issues.

Counseling Services staff are available to help students cope with these stressors. Help may range from a single discussion with a counselor to a carefully planned program of counseling or therapy, including psychiatric consultation and medication if necessary.

To initiate counseling services, please call 503.725.2800 to schedule an initial consultation during any of our open hours OR schedule online through the Patient Portal. During the consultation, a counselor will meet with you via Zoom to discuss your needs and your counseling service options (e.g., group, individual, another campus resource, off-campus resources, etc.).

Please note: Students can request to schedule with a therapist of color or other identity, though scheduling options may be more limited and all options may not be available.

Short Term Counseling

The goal of short-term counseling is to navigate immediate stressors, facilitate adjustment to college or other life circumstances, reduce emotional distress, and address barriers to academic, career, and personal goals.
Issues commonly addressed in short-term counseling include:

Personal concerns: Mild to moderate anxiety and depression, anger, loneliness, guilt, low self-esteem, grief and loss, significant difficult events
Relationship concerns: Romantic relationship difficulties, interpersonal conflict, family issues
Cultural concerns: Impact of oppression, power, privilege, identity, intersectionality, cultural adjustment
Developmental concerns: Identity development, adjustment difficulties, life transitions, first-time use of mental health support
Academic concerns: Performance anxiety, perfectionism, underachievement, motivation
Interpersonal Violence: Sexual assault, safety concerns
Substance Use: Mild or moderate alcohol or other drug use/abuse
Other concerns, including: Spirituality, body image, and healthy lifestyle choices

Even if your concerns are appropriate for short-term counseling, off-campus care may be recommended due to the wait for services or a need for evening/weekend appointments.

Long Term Counseling & Community Referrals

If you are looking to receive longer term care, we recommend first visiting the PSU ThrivingCampus directory to find a provider. ThrivingCampus is an online directory that allows PSU students to access a list of off-campus, licensed mental health clinicians, many of whom specialize in working with students. The website includes various guides and resources that assist students through the process of securing off-campus outpatient care. Referral for longer term counseling is generally a better fit if:

You have concerns that are likely to continue throughout your time as a student and you would benefit from having a connection to a consistent provider
You require more frequent or specialized counseling than Counseling Services provides
You need supports more immediately than Counseling Services can provide given our current wait for services
Your schedule is limited and you are only available for evening/weekend appointments
You are needing a service that Counseling Services does not provide. These include:
- Medication evaluations and management for students who are not being seen for short-term counseling at Counseling Services
- Documentation for an emotional support animal
- Services required by employers, government agencies, or academic departments (e.g. forensic assessments, mandated/court-ordered treatment)
- Services (other than crisis intervention, consultation, or group) for students who are already receiving ongoing therapy with another mental health provider