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Counseling

Helping a Student You Care About

Resources for Families, Friends, and Supporters

College can be an exciting time, but it can also bring stress, transitions, and emotional challenges.  Whether you are a parent, guardian, family member, partner, or friend, your support can make a meaningful difference in a student's well-being. 
 
This page offers guidance on how Counseling & Consultation Services (CCS) supports students and how you can help when you are concerned about someone you care about. 
 

What Services Does Counseling & Consultation Services (CCS) Provide?

CCS offers FREE, CONFIDENTIAL therapy and mental health support to enrolled IWU students.  Our licensed clinician counselors help students with concerns such as:

  • Stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Adjustment to college life
  • Relationships and family concerns
  • Grief and loss
  • Identity development
  • Academic and personal pressures
  • Experiences with trauma or overwhelming experiences (past or recent)

There is no charge for services.

Students can schedule appointments directly through the online scheduler, email or phone.  Urgent support is available during office hours.  If you believe a student may be in immediate danger, please contact emergency services (e.g. 911, 988) or Campus Safety (309-556-1111). 

Will Counseling Appear on a Student's Academic Record?

No, information about counseling is confidential and protected by privileged communication laws of the United States and Illinois Statutes (Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act (740 ILCS 110/1 et seq.). No information is released to anyone, including parents, without the student's explicit consent, except in rare situations involved immediate safety concerns. 

It is important to note- even if we cannot share information with you, we can still listen to your concerns and offer guidance on how to support the student. 

Signs a Student May Be Struggling

You might notice changes such as:

  • Declining grades, missed classes, or loss of motivation
  • Changes in mood, energy, sleep or appetite
  • Withdrawal from friends or activities
  • Changes in hygiene or appearance
  • Increase in irritability, sadness, or anxiety
  • Talking about feeling hopeless, worthless, or overwhelmed
  • Statements about death or suicide

Trust your instincts - if something feels concerning, it's okay to reach out. 

How You Can Help

When talking with a student you're concerned about:

  • Choose a calm, private time to talk
  • Share what you've noticed using "I" statements ("I've noticed you seem really overwhelmed lately.")
  • Listen without interrupting or rushing to fix the problem
  • Avoid judgment, criticism, or minimizing their feelings
  • Ask how you can best support them
  • Encourage them to consider talking with a licensed clinical counselor

Sometimes simply feeling heard and supported is the first important step. 

Encouraging Counseling 

You can say things like:

  • "It might really help to talk with someone who works with students all the time."
  • "Counseling is confidential and free for students."
  • You don't have to go through this alone."

Let the student decide whether and when to seek counseling whenever possible.  Respect their autonomy, while continuing to express care and concern. 

How to Make a Referral or Share a Concern

If you are worried about a student and would like guidance:

  • Talk with the student about why you are concerned and why you are suggesting counseling
  • Review information about our services by visiting this website to better understand what we offer.
  • Encourage the student to attend at least one session before deciding whether counseling would be helpful.
  • Except in situations involving immediate danger to the student or others, respect the student's right to decline counseling.  Your concern may still be revisited at a later time. 
  • You may contact CCS directly for consultation about how to talk with a student, to learn more about our services, or to discuss referral options. Our phone number is (309)-556-3052.

Urgent or Emergency Concerns

If you believe a student may be in immediate danger to themselves or others:
 
  • Call 911 right away, or
  • Contact Campus Safety at: 309-556-1111

For urgent mental health support at any time, you or the student may also contact:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline- Call or text 988 (24/7, free, confidential)

If the concern is not an emergency but feels urgent, you may contact CCS during business hours for guidance. 

A Final Note

Supporting a student can feel challenging, especially when you care deeply about them.  You do not have to handle this alone.  Our staff is here to support both students and the people that care about them.