Counseling Service
LEWIS & CLARK COUNSELING SERVICES SPRING 2021
Monday-Friday 8:30am - noon and 1:00-4:30pm
At one time or another, many students feel overwhelmed by the stress of academics, work, family, or relationships. Counseling Service staff are available to help students cope with these and other stressors. About 15% of Lewis & Clark students (25% of undergraduates) visit the Counseling Service each year.
Counseling Service staff are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of all LC students—undergraduate, law and graduate (GSEC). We offer primarily short-term individual, couples, and group therapy, as well as crisis counseling and some psychiatry services. Our staff consists of licensed mental health clinicians and doctoral practicum clinicians who are supervised by our licensed staff. Due to COVID-19, Counseling Services staff are providing telemental health and telepsychiatry services through secure Zoom for Healthcare video conferencing. Students may request to schedule phone appointments with our providers if preferred. Call 503-768-7160 or email counsel@lclark.edu to schedule an appointment. When emailing please send your availability. We are not able to accommodate walk-ins at this time. If you are a student and want to learn more about services, click here.
How do I get started with counseling?
Students interested in counseling services are encouraged to call or email first (503-768-7160 or counsel@lclark.edu) to schedule an initial assessment with a counselor. LC counselors will meet with students to determine appropriate next steps for care which may include: referral to another LC support resource, a follow up appointment with Counseling Services, placement on a Counseling Services assignment list for ongoing counseling, and/or referral to off-campus resources. Please let us know when you contact us if you think you might need any disability-related accommodations to support your engagement with us.
Our staff will ask your location when we speak to you via telemental health (video or phone). Professional licensure is issued by the state of Oregon, and restricts our practice to individuals located within the state at the time of contact. We are happy to speak with students residing outside of Oregon to assist with referrals in your area.
Helpful information about seeking off campus referral, regardless of location, is also available here: Support For Off-Campus Referral - Case Management - Lewis & Clark
What if I’m having an emergency?
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency and worry for the safety of yourself or another person, please seek immediate Crisis Support. Contact our Crisis Counseling Service at 503-265-7804, Multnomah County Crisis Line at 503-988-4888, or the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).
LGBTQIA+ students text “START” to 678678.
Students of color text “STEVE” to 741741.
If you need in-person evaluation, Unity Center for Behavioral Health - Portland Oregon (1225 NE 2nd Ave) has a mental health emergency room.
If you are experiencing an emergency, call Campus Safety at 503-768-7777 or call 911 for assistance.
If you are in distress or crisis and need to speak with a counselor soon, yet feel able to schedule an urgent appointment for later the same or on the next day, call LC Counseling Services during our hours of operation (Monday-Friday 8:30 am-noon and 1:00-4:30 PM). If you need an appointment urgently, please let us know. If you reach our voicemail, please leave a message with your name and a phone number where we can reach you. We will return your call as soon as possible to arrange an urgent telemental health session. Note that Counseling Service staff may call from a “blocked” or “unavailable” phone number.
What if I don’t have any privacy?
It is helpful to have a private, secure space to have your Telemental Health appointment. If this poses a difficulty for you please call us to request use of the “Zoom Room”. Please call in advance, space is limited and may not be available.
Counseling Service Statement on Racism and Oppression
Events in the last year have raised the national awareness about the brutal treatment and violence directed toward black people in the United States. These events have also, once again, highlighted the racial inequities and cultural injustice in America. Counseling Service staff are committed to supporting black students, other students of color, and their allies related to the stresses of these times, and to creating a more just, equitable world.
Support in the time of COVID-19
COVID-19 has changed students’ lives dramatically. Visit our COVID support webpage for self-help and referral details!
Statement of our commitment to diversity and inclusion
Counseling Service staff are committed to providing a safe environment for all by recognizing the unique identities of our diverse Lewis & Clark community. It is part of our professional ethics and personal values to promote inclusion and to be aware of the impact of privilege, prejudice, marginalization and discrimination in the lives of individuals. We strive to create an atmosphere where we foster dialogue and promote actions that respect and honor all persons. We believe that sharing and supporting varying perspectives facilitates connection, health, and wellness.