The Andrews University Community Counseling Center (ACCC) will have openings for many new clients when they re-open in January, 2022, after the semester break (although individuals interested in services are encouraged to call now and leave a confidential voicemail message to get their name toward the top of the waiting list now). Graduate-level practicum students who provide these free counseling services at the ACCC have training in counseling adults, adolescents, and children. Counseling sessions are completely confidential.
During the pandemic, the need for mental health services is great and the need for physical safety is essential. Therefore, all counseling in-person sessions will require counselors and clients to wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth at all times, regardless of vaccination status. For those unable to attend in-person, some teletherapy services may also be available using confidential Zoom sessions.
All practicum counselors are doctoral- or masters-level students who have had at least preliminary counseling experiences, have been evaluated by licensed professionals as ready to provide counseling in a supervised clinic setting, and each practicum counselor provides services under professional supervision.
Types of referral issues accepted include, but are not limited to:
loneliness and isolation
relationship issues (e.g., marital and premarital counseling)
grief and bereavement
social skills problems
behavioral problems
bullying problems (victims and perpetrators)
depression
anxiety
academic problems
career guidance
parent-child conflict
personality assessments (for the purpose of treatment planning
and many others (including just needing a listening ear when social support is limited)
They cannot take on cases that involve court testimony, disability evaluations, custody disputes, walk-in crises, or that require around-the-clock availability of intensive services (e.g., frequently actively suicidal or violent thought disorder).
A brochure and additional information is available online here: www.andrews.edu/counseling
Interested individuals may call the ACCC at 269-471-6238. For confidentiality and security reasons, client requests cannot be received by email. They will re-open January 10, 2022, and will start contacting clients within a couple of weeks after re-opening, but individuals may call now and leave a confidential voicemail message to get on the waiting list now.