At one time or another, most students feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college, work, family, or relationships. Counseling Service staff are available to help students cope with these and other stressors. About 15 percent of Lewis & Clark students visit the Counseling Service each year.

Help may range from a single discussion with a counselor to sort out problems and identify alternatives and resources, to a carefully planned program of counseling or therapy, including psychological or psychiatric referral. The purpose of the Counseling Service is to complement the academic mission of Lewis & Clark by helping students achieve success – personally, socially, emotionally, and academically – during their college years and beyond.

The most common issues that students talk about in counseling sessions are relationship problems, anxiety, and depression. Other common therapy issues include:

• Family concerns or issues
• Academic problems

• Thoughts of suicide
• Stress management
• Panic attacks
• Self-esteem
• Loneliness
• Sleep problems
• Eating and body image issues
• Sexual identity issues
• Cross-cultural, international and returning student issues
• Sexual assault or harassment
• Alcohol, marijuana or other drug use
• Grief or loss
• Decision making

Specifically, the Counseling Service provides:

• Assessment and referral services
• Confidential individual and couples counseling
• Crisis counseling sessions
• Periodic educational and therapy groups
• Workshops and classroom presentations
• Training programs for faculty, staff, and student groups
• Consultation with students, faculty, and staff
• A resource library of self-help books and pamphlets

Counseling services are available and free to all students — undergraduate, law and graduate. All services are generally confidential. Click here to learn more about the limits of confidentiality.  

We have a very limited number of psychiatry services available. These appointments are generally reserved for students who are also being seen by counseling staff. There is a modest fee for psychiatry services.  

New to the Counseling Service!

Think you might have a problem or need to talk with a counselor, but you’re not sure?  

We now offer a link to a confidential and anonymous online screening program. You can see whether you might be experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, or an eating disorder.  You can also see whether you might have a problem with alcohol. Follow this link to learn more and take an assessment.