Services
Quick links
- Screenings
- Campus support
- Peer support (Calvin Unmasked)
- Self-help resources
- Workshops and seminars
- Therapeutic consultation
- Group therapy
- TAO therapy
- Individual counseling
- Off-campus referrals
The Center for Counseling and Wellness is a resource for Calvin students who aim to grow and thrive emotionally through their university years. We offer a broad range of services that are customized to the specific needs and strengths of each student through the use of a Stepped Care Model. All services are designed to support student wellness and emotional flourishing, helping to equip students for wholehearted pursuit of their academic pursuits as well as healthy engagement with their community.
Wondering what to expect at a screening? Students begin by filling out initial paperwork electronically, and then meet individually with a counselor to discuss concerns and create a customized support plan. You will leave the session connected to resources that will help you feel better and move toward your goals (see list of services below). As you proceed with your support plan, you are always welcome to connect back with your screening counselor to revise your plan as needed.
1. 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.
2. 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.
Here are a few highlights of wellness resource. See departmental websites for more details about the work of each office.听
Campus Involvement and Leadership
- Student activities
- Student organizations
- Weekend programming
- Leadership Development Program
Campus Ministries
- Pastoral care and counseling
- Resources for prayer, worship, and discipleship
- Bible study groups
- Faith & Sexuality group (LGBTQ+ support)
Campus Safety
- Safety assistance
- Women鈥檚 self-defense training (R.A.D.)
Career Center
- Career planning & choice of major
- Calvin LifeWork Program
- Student employment
Center for Student Success
- Academic coaching (time management, study skills, etc.) & choice of major
- Tutoring
- Academic accommodations
- Intn鈥檒 & AHANA student support
Commuter Student Life
- Commuter student groups & events
- Commuter Corner in Johnny鈥檚
Center for Counseling & Wellness
- Workshops & seminars
- Online tools & tips
- Peer support program
- Counseling (group & individual)
Ecosystem Preserve
- Nature, trails, and solitude
Financial Aid
- Financial resources & consultation
Health Services
- Medication management
- Nutritional counseling
Intercultural Student Development Center
- Peer mentoring (AHANA & Intn鈥檒 students)
- Sister to Sister, My Brother鈥檚 Keeper, & BLEND groups
- Intercultural lounge
Kinesiology
- Group fitness: free exercise/yoga classes
- Intramurals: team sports & events
- Life & Sport Well-Being Coach (athletes)
Mentoring Program
- Adult mentoring
Nexus
- Peer financial coaching and accountability
Office of Student Conduct
- People-to-people problems
- Safer Spaces & Title IX coordination
- Sexual assault reporting
- Alcohol education workshop
Residence Life
- Roommate relationships
- Community living
- Pornography cessation groups
SAGA
- LGBT+ support & peer education
3. 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.
4. 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鈥攁 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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鈥攖his is not required for students accessing TAO on a self-help basis (see Step 4: Self-help resources).
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Due to professional licensure requirements, video-conference sessions are not available to students out-of-state.
9. 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 (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.
10. 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.
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Consultation
In addition to the above services, CCW staff are available for faculty, staff, and family members for consultation regarding student concerns. While information regarding clients will never be shared without consent, CCW staff can offer suggestions regarding ways to best support a student. Treatment and referral recommendations are also available. (Please note that the office does not provide clinical services to faculty, staff, or alumni.) Information regarding supporting students is available in Faculty & Staff Resources and Parent/Guardian Resources.
Concerned about a student鈥檚 well-being? Submit a Student Concern report for follow-up by caring staff members on campus. In case of emergency, call 911 or Campus Safety (616-526-3333).