At a student’s first meeting with a counselor, we review confidentiality, mental health history, and discuss the student’s current concerns and symptoms. We then provide the student with ongoing counseling options and collaborate to connect them with the support that is most appropriate for their needs. Ongoing counseling sessions may focus on building skills, understanding the self, creating and maintaining healthy habits, and/or providing support through a space to share current thoughts and feelings. Each student’s concerns are unique, and counselors work to meet them where they are while encouraging wellness and growth.

The content of counseling sessions is kept confidential with a few exceptions, such as in cases of clear and imminent danger to self and/or others. The rules of and exceptions to confidentiality are always explained in detail upon a student’s initial appointment and are also available in the Student Handbook.

There is no concern too big or small, but if you are having trouble focusing on your work or experiencing more stress than usual, those can be good indicators that counseling might be helpful. Our counselors work with students on a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to academic performance, stress and anxiety, personal and/or familial relationships, personal identity and growth, and adjusting to life at Gatton.

Students will first work with their Residential Counselor and the Assistant Director of Residential Life to assess and address any immediate concerns. If necessary, the Assistant Director of Counseling Services will be contacted for assessment.

Students are welcome to continue care with an outside therapist, transition to a Gatton counselor, or continue seeing both as their schedule allows. Some students choose to continue therapy with their home therapist via telehealth while at Gatton; some may see a Gatton therapist but continue appointments with their home therapist during school breaks such as summer and winter breaks. Parents and students are welcome to reach out to one of our counselors prior to move-in to confidentially discuss their mental health history and options for support once at Gatton.

Yes! Due to the multiple roles a Gatton therapist may hold (e.g., chaperone, college letter writer, seminar instructor, administrative staff member), students occasionally feel more comfortable seeing someone outside of Gatton for counseling. Our counselors can help the student and family connect with other resources on and off campus, including the WKU Counseling Center, the Talley Family Counseling Center, and/or a nearby private practice therapist.

Please feel free to reach out to the Assistant Director of Counseling Services directly with any questions, comments or concerns. Our contact information can be found on the right-hand side of this page.