Services

Screenings

All students meet initially with a counselor for a screening session in order to complete a brief assessment and to determine which CCW resources are the best fit for their presenting concerns. Through both electronic intake forms and conversation, students share an overview of their concerns and goals. Students are provided with information and recommendations regarding relevant resources at CCW, and they work together with the counselors to determine a plan for moving forward. Screenings are required prior to participation in all CCW services, with the exception of self-help and drop-in services.

Campus support

CCW works closely with multiple partners across campus to support student wellness. Interdepartmental referrals are provided for students who would benefit from support in areas such as career development, health, fitness, intercultural connection, academic skills, spiritual formation, and housing.

Students seeking psychiatric consultation related to medication are referred to Health Services, where services are billed through insurance. In these situations, open communication between the student, counselor and psychiatrist ensures a collaborative approach to treatment.

Peer support

CCW cultivates healthy connection and authentic discussion between students. Students are often referred to student organizations and other peer groups in order to practice healthy connection and active belonging. In addition, anonymous peer support is available through the 24/7 virtual Calvin Unmasked app moderated by trained Calvin students.

Self-help resources

A full range of online tools are available for students who are motivated to work independently on strengthening mental health. A series of videos available through Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) provides training in emotional resilience, calming anxiety, reducing depression, communication/relationships, managing pain, and avoiding substance use. Included in the package are activity logs and other online tools designed to engage and train students in skills necessary for emotional flourishing. In addition, the CCW Resources page links to multiple apps and websites related to mental wellness.

A variety of wellness equipment is available for students to check out. A Wellness Room is provided in the Spoelhof University Center—a space for students to practice stress management and care well for their emotional health in the course of a busy day. Light boxes are available for students to borrow through the CCW office, for support in managing symptoms of depression during the dark winter months. And self-help resources to support positive coping, such as blank journals and coloring books, are available for free at our front desk.

Workshops

The Feelings Toolbox Workshop presents skills-building information related to anxiety and depression in a highly structured and fast-paced format. Students meet in a class-like setting for three, one-hour sessions in order to receive instruction and practice skills. Prior to beginning a workshop, participants are encouraged to complete a screening session with a CCW counselor.

RECHARGE events are held at the end of fall and spring semesters. Students are invited to drop in to enjoy a variety of stress-reducing activities and supports (including pets!) as they prepare for final exams.

Consultation

For students encountering a specific problem or decision, a one-time consultation can provide the needed support to move forward. Counselors focus with the student on naming the issue and problem-solving next steps, after which the student can follow up with other CCW resources as needed. Non-therapeutic consultations are also available for students living out-of-state who are seeking help in exploring local treatment options.

Groups

Counseling groups offer students an opportunity to share concerns, support one another, learn skills, and practice healthy coping. Assessment results consistently demonstrate that CCW groups are the most effective treatment for a wide range of presenting difficulties, with the highest satisfaction ratings of all available services. Prior to engaging in group therapy, all participants complete a screening with a counselor.

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) coaching

Students can qualify for brief, weekly videoconference sessions with counselors from CCW in conjunction with use of online psychoeducation tools through Therapy Assistance Online (TAO). This provides students with active engagement with skill-building videos and activities throughout each week in order to support effective learning of the material, while also connecting them with a counselor to serve as a coach. Prior to engaging in TAO coaching, all participants complete a screening with a counselor—this is not required for students accessing TAO on a self-help basis (see Step 4: Self-help resources).

TAO-Calvin Explainer Video from Therapist Assisted Online on Vimeo.

Due to professional licensure requirements, videoconference sessions are not available to students out-of-state.

Individual counseling

Individual sessions are provided on a one-session-at-a-time basis, often in conjunction with other available CCW services (such as groups and workshops). For students meeting symptom criteria for individual therapy, a full diagnostic assessment is completed prior to beginning, and ongoing assessment of symptom severity is provided throughout treatment. Counselors maintain open communication with students regarding progress toward treatment goals and duration of treatment. Individual counseling is discontinued when acute symptoms have abated, with ongoing availability of other services through CCW (such as groups, workshops, and online TAO engagement) to support continued growth and healing.

Students seeking couples counseling (including premarital) and other specialized treatment and assessment (ex. substance abuse treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, intensive eating disorder treatment, ADHD assessment, etc.) are encouraged to reach out to the CCW for a community referral or to access a list of local providers through ThrivingCampus (see step 10 below). Counselors can also assist in connecting students to providers in the community who provide weekly individual therapy for a wide range of symptom severity.

Off-campus referrals

Students are referred to community providers if they desire individual therapy for non-acute symptoms or require intensive or specialized treatment beyond the scope of CCW services. Students seeking ADHD evaluations or other psychological testing are also referred to the community. An up-to-date list of nearby providers, along with information about how to navigate appointment logistics, is available through the ThrivingCampus community provider link below. Students are also welcome to contact our office directly to discuss referral options.