Q: Who is eligible to use Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS)?
A: Any currently enrolled Western Carolina University student is eligible for services during that semester. Students are eligible for services during the summer only if they are enrolled for at least one 3-credit-hour course during one of the summer sessions. Faculty & staff are eligible for groups, workshops, training & consultation services, and one therapeutic assessment/referral session per personal concern. 
 
Q: Can I just come by CPS or do I need to schedule an appointment? 
A: NO and YES! 

NO, if this is a crisis situation.  You don't need to schedule a meeting!  If you are in a personal crisis / emergency situation, there are always senior staff counselors available, both during the day and after-hours for assistance.  These are accessed by contacting CPS during regular office hours or by contacting Emergency Dispatch Services by calling 227-8911. 

YES, if this is a non-crisis situation.  It may obviously be a pressing issue, but typically students are able to meet with a counselor within a few days of making their request known.  To schedule a meeting, call CPS during regular office hours at 227-7469. 

Since the demand for our services is typically high, we ask that you only schedule appointments that you are confident that you will keep.  If you are unable to keep an appointment, please call CPS receptionist as soon as possible, preferably within 48 hours in advance so that we may make that time slot available to another student.  Repeated rescheduling, arriving more than 15 minutes late, and/or cancelling of appointments with (or without) advance notice may result in the loss of eligibility for services for that semester.  Please assist us in achieving maximum utilization of this important University resource.

Q: Do I have to pay?
A: No. The counseling services of CPS are free to all Western Carolina University students.  There is a fee for psychiatric services and information about payment, submitting to private insurance or processing claims through the WCU student-supported insurance can be answered by calling the front desk. 
 
Q: How do I know if I need counseling?
A: Counseling is appropriate for anyone who is troubled by a specific problem or has a general concern. Students seek counseling for personal growth, increased self-awareness, self-esteem, anxieties, depression, family and interpersonal issues, as well as for acute problems or crises. Oftentimes, people seek professional counseling services when they’ve exhausted all of their known strategies or coping responses and their problem still remains.
 
Q: What hours is CPS open?
A: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm on Monday – Friday.
 
Q: Will my contact with CPS be confidential?
A: The information shared in a counseling session is confidential and will not be disclosed to any persons or organization outside CPS without written consent, unless it is to protect you or someone else from imminent harm, mandated by law (e.g., child or elder abuse, Homeland Security), ordered by a court or related to a lawsuit against our services.
 
Q: If I decide to see a counselor, what commitments would I be asked to make?
A: When you come for an initial assessment session, you are not making a commitment beyond the evaluation sessions, which may vary from 1-2 meetings. If individual counseling is recommended and you choose to use our services, you’ll probably meet on a weekly basis for a period of time that is mutually agreed upon. Counseling sessions are typically 50 minutes. We expect you to keep your appointments and to call in advance when you are unable to attend a session since other people may be waiting for an appointment.
 
Q: What can I do if I am concerned about a friend?
A: You can ask the receptionist to set up a consultation to discuss what is happening with your friend and what you might be able to do to help. If you think your friend is in crisis, call immediately.
 
Q: Does CPS provide academic counseling?
A: No, the CAT Center (Catamount Academic Tutoring Center) at (828) 227-2273 provides these services.
 
Q: Does CPS provide career counseling?
A: No, the Career Services Center at (828) 227-7133, provides career services to students.