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Counseling Services

Starting Services

Let's get started: Here's what to do and what to expect.

Don't want to read a bunch of stuff and just want to have someone help you figure it out?  Use any of the options below.  We are here to help!

Want all the details and step-by-step instructions?  Keep reading!

Step 1: Am I eligible for services through CWU?

 

  1. Are you currently enrolled in at least one class this quarter at any CWU location or online?
  2. Are you not a Running Start student?

Yes!  You are eligible for services! 

  • Please note, all CWU community members (including Running Start, staff, faculty) are eligible for a crisis appointment with Student Counseling Services, regardless of eligibility for other services.  Call us at 509-963-1391 or come by Black Hall 225-30 if you need urgent support. Learn more about our crisis services and resources.

Step 2: Which service is best for you?

 

All of these service options are covered by your student fees (the Teletherapy, Health, and Counseling fee) and there are no additional charges or insurance needed no matter which service is right for you.

  • Do you currently live outside Washington State? 
    • If yes, our online therapy services through BetterMynd are made for you! See our BetterMynd page to get started.  BetterMynd services start October 21, 2026!
  • Do you live in the Ellensburg area or attend classes on the Ellensburg campus?
    • If yes, Student Counseling Services is the right place for you!  
  • Do you attend classes at one of the CWU Center locations?  Or are you an online student living outside reasonable driving distance to Ellensburg?
    • If yes, you have two choices for services!
      • Online therapy with Student Counseling Services
      • Online therapy through BetterMynd - starting October 21, 2026
  • Do you need therapy appointments that are after 5:00p or on the weekend?
    • If yes, our online therapy services through BetterMynd are made for you! See our BetterMynd page to get started.  BetterMynd services will start October 21, 2026.

Step 3: Make an appointment

 

  • If Student Counseling Services is right for you, request an appointment with us.
    • Fastest: Call 509-963-1391 or drop by Black Hall 225-30 to speak with our front desk staff.  
    • Faster:  Fill out the Request Appointment form through our secure portal.  Please be sure to only fill out the Request Appointment form (very top of the list) and no other forms.
    • Quick:  Send an email with the following information:
      1. Student ID
      2. Phone number
      3. Good days and times for an initial appointment (they are 30 minutes long)
      4. If you prefer in-person or zoom appointment
      5. If we can send you reminders by text, email to CWU account, or both
  • If BetterMynd is right for you, starting October 21, 2026:

What to Expect After Scheduling an Appointment

Eligible students can received up to 9 individual therapy sessions per academic year regardless of if they seek services through Student Counseling Services (SCS) or BetterMynd.
  • Student Counseling Services

    • Around 4:30p the business day before your appointment, you'll receive an appointment reminder by text, CWU email, or both, depending on your preferences.

    • The reminder has the link to our secure portal, where you'll fill out the Initial Consultation forms. 
      • In the portal, click the box that says "Initial Consultation". 
      • These forms are kind of long so give yourself 60 minutes to complete them. 
      • It is easier to fill out these forms on a computer rather than your phone.
      • They must be done before your appointment or we can't see you.
      • We promise, future forms will be really fast!  We just need a lot of information to get you started.  
    • If you are meeting with your provider by zoom, the reminder will also have the link to their zoom room.

    • The day of your appointment arrive at the Counseling Center (Black Hall 225-30) or provider zoom room a few minutes early.

    • The first appointment is 30 minutes.  We'll:
      • Review confidentiality and answer your questions about our informed consent.
      • Get to know you as a person and learn about your current concerns.
      • Make sure you are safe and taking care of yourself.
      • Discuss our treatment model and service options.
      • Begin developing a treatment plan with you. 
    • After your Initial Consultation, you'll likely be asked to participate in a 50-minute skills workshop to provide you with immediate strategies that help with a variety of concerns. 
      • This is not group therapy and you will not need to disclose private or deeply personal information. 
      • There are different options for the workshop and you'll review these in your Initial Consultation.
    • After the Workshop, you'll meet back with the staff member who did your Initial Consultation.  You'll:
      • Debrief the workshop, discuss self-care, and finalize a treatment plan at this session.
      • Treatment plans can include:
        • Group therapy
        • Short-term individual therapy
        • Both group and individual therapy
        • Care coordination (if you need something we can't provide)
    • It typically takes just a week to move through the Initial Consultation, Workshop, Follow-up Appointment process.
      • Our goals are:
        • Get you in quickly for your Initial Consultation
        • Provide you with practical skills right away
        • Use our expertise to help you get the right care for your concerns

  • BetterMynd

    • Once you register with BetterMynd and complete some basic information about yourself and what you are looking for in a counselor, you will be presented with counselors who are licensed in the state in which you live.

    • Browse the bios of the different counselors and pick one you think might be a good fit to see their availability.
      • If that person's availability doesn't match yours, you can always go back and pick someone else.
    • Schedule an appointment.

    • You will have 9 appointments credited to your account with BetterMynd.
      • No shows and late cancellations will be deducted from your 9 credits and will not be added back.  It is important that you attend your appointments or follow the BetterMynd cancellation policy.
    • Close to the time of your appointment, you'll be asked to fill out some pre-session forms.

    • You'll meet with your counselor for a 50-minute session. 

    • In your first appointment, your counselor will probably have a lot of questions for you as they want to get to know you and your concerns and figure out how to best help you. 

    • If you and your counselor feel like it is a good match, you'll be able to schedule a follow-up appointment with them.  
      • If you don't feel it is a good match, you can talk to your counselor about what you need, or you can just choose to schedule with someone else for your next appointment.
        • Remember, counseling can feel uncomfortable at the start and you might need to give it a couple of appointments.  Like any relationship, trust and comfort take time.
    • As you near the end of your 9 credits, you and your counselor have the option to request additional session credits.  You also have the option to transition to Student Counseling Services providers, as long as you live in Washington State. 

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Contact

Student Counseling Services

Black Hall 225-30

Hours:
Mondays 9:30-12 and 1-4:30
Tuesdays 8-12 and 1-4:30
Wednesdays 8-12 and 1-4:30
Thursdays 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:30
Fridays 8-12 and 1-4:30

Closed 12-1 for lunch
Closed University holidays
Closed last two weeks of December