Short term mental health care for current Washington State University Tri-Cities’ students is available on campus from Aphrodite Beidler, LMHC. There is no fee for services, and strict confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the legal and ethical guidelines. We offer services in an atmosphere that is welcoming and comfortable for all students.
We offer the following services:
Initial Assessment
Individual Counseling
Crisis Counseling
Conjoint Counseling
Consultation Services
Your counselor is available for appointments:
Monday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 1 to 4 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Note: There are no summer Counseling Services.
You are also welcome to stop by Floyd 263 or call 509-372-7153. Please leave your name, phone number, and preferred dates and times, and she will return your call promptly to schedule your appointment.
Effective therapy requires an atmosphere of trust. Everything you discuss with your counselor will be confidential. Even the fact that you have come for counseling will not be divulged to anyone without your permission. Your counselor will keep records in accordance with professional legal and ethical guidelines, but nobody will have access to the records unless you release them in writing. Your counselor will have to disclose information if you are in danger of hurting yourself or another person or if records are requested as part of judiciary action. Even in these cases you will be informed and no more information than necessary would be released.
There are two forms that you will need to fill out at your first appointment.
The Consent Form that explains the services the Student Counseling Center will be providing, and the Intake Form requiring some of your information.
Note:
You can print the forms and complete the information before your first counseling appointment. That way you will have more time to discuss your issues with your counselor.
Q: Can I just “drop-in” for some advice?”
Absolutely. It is not necessary that you come for formal therapy. You can just have informal consultation with your therapist from time to time.
Q: Who is eligible for counseling and how much does it cost?
There is no cost. It is free for WSU students.
Q: How do I make an appointment for counseling?
Making an appointment is easy. You may stop by at West 263B and talk with Aphrodite if she is available. Also, you may call at 509-372-7153 to schedule your appointment.
Q: Who should visit the counselor?
Students who struggle with an emotional issue that makes them feel angry, worried or sad would benefit from talking to a therapist.
Students who had emotional struggles in the past, and they want to continue treatment with a licensed professional.
WSU students who are veterans.
Students who are not sure if they need help, and wonder if talking with a therapist would help.
Students who are not interested in on-going therapy but would like the perspective of a therapist on some issues.
Students who have a specific problem and they need a professional to help them resolve it.
Students who have a concern about a friend and they are not sure what to do about it.
Q: What are some of the concerns that students will seek therapy for?
Anxiety or stress
Relationship problems
Procrastination or loss of motivation
Depression
Family problems
Irritability or anger issues
Adjustment to college and homesickness
Illness or loss of a loved one
Sexual identity and orientation
Public speaking anxiety
Low self esteem, low confidence, shyness
Suicidal behaviors and feelings
Sleeping problems
Body image issues and disordered eating
Q: What should I expect in my first appointment?
Your first appointment is called an “intake.” You will discuss your concerns with your counselor. Also, she will ask you to fill out some forms. All students who schedule an appointment with the counselor go through the same process. At the end of your appointment you will discuss a time frame for treatment.
Q: What if I am worried about a friend?
We encourage you to make an appointment and discuss your worries with your counselor. You will be able to speak confidentially, and receive advice about how to deal with the situation.
Q: What if there is an emergency when the Counseling office is closed?
If there is an emergency during non-office hours you may call the Benton & Franklin Counties Crisis response Unit at 509-783-0500.
