The psychologist or counselor will make recommendations for on- and off-campus resources, and make a decision with you about which Counseling Center programs will be most beneficial for you.
Springboard
After an initial visit with a licensed mental health care provider, most students will sign up for a series of three workshops called “Springboard.” These three workshops, with a maximum of ten students, are led by a licensed psychologist or mental health counselor. The workshops provide you with an opportunity to pause, identify, and become more deeply aware of what is going on in your life; learn new ways to think about and understand the challenges that brought you to the Counseling Center, and develop coping tools for confronting problems that many students face. The workshops also will help you determine if individual counseling is right for you.
Springboard is not group therapy. You are not required to discuss any details of your personal or emotional life. It is a discreet learning environment, designed to give you the tools you need to cope with a wide range of problems.
There is no cost for participation in Springboard.
Springboard does not replace one-on-one counseling.
For some students, the three Springboard workshops are adequate, and no further assistance is needed. Other students require one-on-one counseling with a licensed psychologist or mental health counselor.
Since Springboard can help students make the most of one-on-one counseling, students typically participate in Springboard before one-on-one counseling.
Medications and Physical Well-being
The Counseling Center remains cognizant of the mind/body connection. All of the Counseling Center staff work closely with the PLU Health Center to coordinate care that encompasses your mental and physical health.
For students who may require evaluation for psychiatric medication, the psychologists and mental health counselors can make referrals either to the PLU Health Center or to other healthcare providers both on- and off-campus.
Confidentiality
The Counseling Center cares deeply about maintaining your privacy and confidentiality. Our services are provided in accordance with federal and state privacy laws.
An elevator in the back of the Loren and MaryAnn Anderson University Center provides access to the Counseling Center so that you may bypass the front hall stairway.
Walk-In Consultations
A licensed counselor or psychologist is available for abbreviated, quick consultation meetings most days of the work week. This service is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-in visits are designed for students who may have a quick concern or issue, and the counselor or psychologist can help with short-term problem-solving.
Referring a Student to the Counseling Center
We encourage parents, faculty, staff, and peers to refer students to the Counseling Center. Due to confidentiality laws and policies, we cannot schedule an appointment for a student by a third party. A student who wishes to visit the Counseling Center must contact the Counseling Center directly. If you wish to help a student, you are welcome to accompany a student to our office, or accompany him or her while making a phone call to schedule an appointment.
Outreach Programs and Services
In addition to individual counseling, the Counseling Center hosts and participates in a variety of presentations, lectures, groups, and workshops for students, faculty, and staff.
If you are interested in requesting a presentation, please complete the Outreach Request Form and send it to Garrett Gilchrist PhD.
The Counseling Center collaborates with the PLU Health Center and LuteFit, the University’s Health and Wellness committee. Depending on the nature of the topic, relevant requests may be forwarded to the Health Center or LuteFit.
We ask that you submit requests at least four weeks prior to the program date to allow adequate time to schedule and prepare. Presentations are dependent upon availability of staff, and each counselor’s area of expertise.
