Counseling & Wellness
At WSU Tri-Cities Counseling & Wellness, our mission is to embrace a holistic wellness approach to student development by removing psychological, emotional, and behavioral barriers to learning and success through an equitable and socially-just lens. We strive to cultivate an inclusive campus community experience by creating safer and more supportive environments for students to explore and overcome challenges connected to life and learning through campus collaborations, partnerships, evidence-based practices and through a Systemic and Assets-based framework.
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Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Commitment
We are committed to cultivating safe environments for all by recognizing the unique identities that comprise our diverse WSU Tri-Cities community. It is part of our professional ethics and personal values to promote inclusion and to be aware of the impact that privilege, prejudice, marginalization, and discrimination have in the lives of individuals. We strive to create an atmosphere where we foster dialogue and promote actions that respect and honor all people. We believe that sharing and supporting varying perspectives facilitates connection, health, and wellness.
What We Do
- Support student mental health and wellness through service delivery.
- Educate the campus community on mental health and wellness.
- Partner with campus and community constituents to strengthen outreach and advocacy efforts.
Contact Us
Sylvia Rangel van Breda Vriesman, M.A. LMFT
Assistant Director of Student Services, Student Counselor of Counseling and Wellness, Campus Rec
Counseling Office
Floyd 101A
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed all WSU holidays
Featured Services
We provide a safe, inclusive environment to help you explore the challenges of life and learning through the following services. These services are provided at no charge to currently-enrolled, degree-seeking WSU Tri-Cities students thanks to support from the Student and Activities Fee.
Individual Counseling
We provide short-term counseling, averaging four sessions. These are scheduled based on your availability and need. While you may seek counseling for a variety of reasons, some topics appropriate for short-term counseling include:
- Managing mood and thoughts
- Navigating life transitions
- Relationship support
- Managing time and academic stress
- Identity development and self-advocacy
Crisis Services
If you feel you need immediate assistance due to being in crisis or distress, Counseling & Wellness provides urgent care meetings. Some examples of crisis or urgent situations include:
- Feeling like you may end your life
- Feeling like you may seriously harm yourself or another person
- Death of a loved one
- Physical or sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence
- Hearing voices
- Not being able to function due to extreme psychological distress
Crisis meetings focus on helping you cope with immediate stressors that are reducing your ability to function and determining helpful next steps. You will be asked to complete a few forms so that we may help you as efficiently and as effectively as possible.
The COUG HelpLine is supported through Protocall to give students 24/7 access to same-day, confidential mental health and crisis intervention support in multiple languages at 509-554-5684.
Wellness Programming
We offer several stepped-care engagement opportunities aimed at increasing psychoeducational awareness and skill attainment of mental health and wellness-related topics. Through our Peer Education Programs, Cougs Reaching Cougs and Health Promotion, we reach diverse student audiences with our innovative and creative interventions.
Wellness Hubs
We have cultivated several spaces throughout campus aimed at enhancing wellbeing through safe, calm, physical spaces. The DEN Wellness Center houses our Zen DEN Lounge and Calm Cave, and the Learning Commons houses the Seasonal Affective Disorder Light Therapy Lounge (Nov-Mar). Stop by and experience some rest, relaxation and recharge!
Workshops and Outreach Presentations
Check back in to get information on our planned workshops being offered or if interested in the Counseling & Wellness presentations. You can email TriCities.CounselingServices@wsu.edu to request an outreach presentation from the Counseling & Wellness team.
Consultation Services
If staff, faculty or a peer is concerned about a student’s mental health, Counseling & Wellness provides consultation on how to support a student in distress, and if needed, how to make a referral to campus resources.
Peer Education Programs
The Peer Education Programs, Cougs Reaching Cougs and Peer Health Promotion, offers students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience working in the mental health and wellness fields with an emphasis on valuing and respecting diversity among individuals. The primary focus of their work is on outreach and psychoeducational activities that provide stepped-care wellness support for students and the campus community and in turn build foundational professional skills to work in behavioral and/or health-related fields. The Peer Educator Teams work under the close guidance of the current licensed mental health clinician.
Looking to learn more about us?