Confidential, brief counseling services (three 30-minute sessions per year) with licensed psychologists and mental health counselors are available to students on-campus or via telehealth through providers local to Yakima. This benefit is available only to students. To access these services, contact the providers directly via their email addresses which can be found on the Counseling Services webpage of PNWU.edu. If one of these providers accepts a student’s health insurance, the student may be able to continue working with the provider through their private practice.
Off-campus counseling services include individual counseling, marital counseling, and/or family counseling associated with school-related problems, parent-child differences, and substance abuse issues are provided through the Student Assistance Program (SAP). These services are available to all PNWU students, spouse or minor child of an eligible student or any other person residing in the eligible student’s household, regardless of location (in Yakima or where students are completing their clinical training). PNWU contracts with WellConnect.
Use of the SAP is confidential. Only information specifically authorized by the student or family member through a signed release of information may be shared by or with anyone, unless information shared indicates imminent risk of harm to self or others, or current child or elder abuse, or a subpoena is issued.
Students are asked to schedule appointments at times that do not conflict with their classes or clinical training. However, the student may request permission from Student Affairs for an excused absence in order to meet with a SAP counselor during scheduled activities. Such requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis and should be made as far in advance as possible.
Summary of Services:
- A 24-hour service 1.866.640.4777; answered live 24/7/365
- Five (5) face-to-face or telephonic counseling sessions per distinct and separate issue per eligible individual per year; and/or assessment, short-term counseling and/or referral sessions. This incorporates online therapy which includes text messaging, chat and video counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (online self help tools)
- Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) – Fee for Service (FFS) $350/hour
- Student website
- Referrals for Budget & Debt Counseling
- 30 minutes Free Financial Consultation, per distinct financial issue
- Referrals for Health and Wellness Telephonic and Online Coaching
- 30 minutes Free Legal Consultations and 25% discount on additional legal support, per distinct legal issue
- Student Life Resources and Referrals
Students are always welcome to stop by or call Student Affairs to discuss counseling options or questions in person. All inquiries will be kept confidential.
Learn more on the Counseling Services webpage of PNWU.edu.
PNWU encourages, and in some cases may require, students to complete drug or alcohol treatment, or rehabilitation/re-entry programs for substance use issues. Any student need for drug or alcohol treatment whether voluntary or due to a recommendation or requirement by the Student Progress Committee, or any other PNWU official will be at the sole expense of the student. Osteopathic medical students may also contact the Washington Physicians Health Program to participate in their confidential services, www.wphp.org.
Policy link: Student Mental Health Services policy
Page revision date: June 6, 2024